Richland Library has launched two interactive StoryWalk® trails in the Midlands, located at Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood and Caughman Road Park in Hopkins. The project offers families the opportunity to celebrate a love of reading, keep moving, and experience a local park together. SC Humanities supported this effort with a Major Grant.
A StoryWalk® is a fun, educational activity that places a children’s story (literally a book taken apart) along a popular walking route in your community. Storywalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Richland Library’s first StoryWalk opened in June 2021 at the walking trail near Blythewood Town Hall in Doko Meadows Park (100 Alvina Hagood Circle, Blythewood). Participants can view each page and take part in activities along a path that is easily visible and walkable for young readers. The featured book will rotate seasonally; the current selection is Rainbow Stew by Cathryn Falwell. Along with the opening of the StoryWalk, Richland Library created Edible Garden Carry-Out Kits, which are available at all 13 library locations while supplies last. They also hosted a special edition of Family Storytime from 10:30 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26 on their Facebook Page that spotlighted Rainbow Stew and other read-a-likes.
The second StoryWalk opened on August 20th, 2021 at Caughman Road Park (2733 Trotter Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061). The current feature is “How Do You Wokka-Wokka,” written by Elizabeth Bluemle and illustrated by Randy Cecil.
The library is able to bring Storywalk® to the Midlands thanks to support by the Town of Blythewood, SC Humanities, Prisma Health and WLTX. One additional Storywalk® locations will be announced in fall 2021.
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
For questions about the Storywalk®, please contact Emily Stoll at 803-587-3637 or estoll@richlandlibrary.com.
The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. Established in 1973, this 501(c) 3 organization is governed by a volunteer 21-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders from throughout the state. It presents and/or supports literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences that directly or indirectly reach more than 250,000 citizens annually.
