First introduced to Berks County in 2020, library StoryWalks bring the joys of reading and love of the outdoors together. Visitors to any of the StoryWalks around the county will read through the pages of a children's storybook as they walk along beautiful nature trails.
What is a StoryWalk?
Story pages are displayed on metal posts or transferable yard signs along a public walking path. Beginning at the first stop, participants will experience a unique storytelling adventure as they read the individual pages while they walk. There may sometimes be activities immersed within the story to encourage walkers to engage with the world around them.
Every StoryWalk display will rotate the chosen book a few times a year so users will be able to read different titles throughout the year. Sometimes stories will be chosen to match a seasonal or local theme.
What are the benefits of a StoryWalk?
Not only are StoryWalks a fun activity for individuals or families, but they offer health benefits to those who use them.
StoryWalks require the user to engage in physical activity as they move from page-to-page along a set path. Each display is set along an easy walking trail that may span up to a mile in length. Users can set the pace that best works for them to read through all of the storybook pages.
Additionally, StoryWalks help the youngest participants by establishing positive lifestyle choices. Libraries are big supporters of early childhood literacy because they know the impact reading has on young minds. As a child creates positive family memories, they will begin building the foundation of important language skills which will carry through to adulthood.
Where can I find a library StoryWalk?
Currently, there are ten permanent and seasonal library StoryWalk displays including Story Stroll and Story Trail locations available in Berks County:
- Bally Community Park (seasonal)
- Berks Heim Story Trail
- Berks Nature
- Boyertown Park
- Brandywine Community Library (Story Stroll)
- Exeter Community Library
- Kutztown Park
- Muhlenberg Rail Trail
- Reading City Park
- Reading Public Museum Arboretum
N. 4th St. Bally, PA 19503
This seasonal StoryWalk is displayed at the Bally Community Park April through October on Thursdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
The Berks Heim Story Trail display is similar to other library StoryWalks in Berks County, but features content other than children's storybooks. The Story Trail begins at the Berks Heim entrance and follows the sidewalk, extending towards Berks Road.
575 St. Bernandine Street, Reading, PA 19607
The StoryWalk at Berks Nature, The Nature Place follows the path from the parking lot to the Teaching Garden which is just under a quarter of a mile. The path is primarily paved but has a short duration over small stones. The StoryWalk will remain open to visitors from dawn to dusk to enjoy at their leisure in the park. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit when The Nature Place is open to enjoy the offerings of the free public nature center.
417 S. Madison Street, Boyertown, PA 19512
Previously offered as a seasonal display, the Boyertown Park StoryWalk® is now a permanent StoryWalk® location. Visitors can walk along the paved path and enjoy the story pages.
60 Tower Drive, Topton, PA 19562
Participate in a Story Stroll on the Topton Nature Trail across from The Lutheran Home at Topton employee parking lot on Home Road.
Story Strolls are scheduled events. Please consult the library for dates and times.
4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA 19606
Located in the woods directly behind the library. A handicap accessible entrance is available at the back of the small parking lot adjacent to the woods.
439 E Main St, Kutztown, PA 19530
This StoryWalk follows a paved path surrounding the playground in the shady Kutztown Park.
Railroad Avenue, Temple, PA 19560
Storywalk begins at the Mt. Laurel Road TrailHead on the Muhlenberg Rail Trail and continues for approximately half a mile. The trail surface is made of crushed stone and provides an easy surface for walking or bicycling.
Reading City Park – North 11th & Walnut Sts., Reading, PA 19604
This StoryWalk follows a paved and handicap accessible pathway in Reading City Park. The shady tree-lined path curves around playground units, including a newly installed splash pad and an all-abilities play area.
500 Museum Rd, Reading, PA 19611
On the grounds of the Museum’s arboretum. The story pages are displayed on a 1.0 mile paved walking trail. Stories chosen include a Spanish language translation when the story is not available in a bilingual format.
The StoryWalk® Project 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.