Kids and parents can celebrate reading this Saturday at McFarland Park.
On June 24, at 11:00 a.m., Friends of Enumclaw Library and the King County Library System are hosting a ribbon-cutting to celebrate new permanent story walk boards at the park.
Before the ribbon-cutting, KCLS executive director Lisa Rosenblum and Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro will say a few words, followed by a guided story walk by a KCLS children’s librarian. The book currently on display is “I Got The Rhythm” by Connie Schofield-Morrison.
There are about 20 transparent, water-proof stands that hold book pages at the park’s east end. park. KCLS plans to change out books on display every month, and already have 12 books ready.
Steven Bailey, A KCLS librarian, said the library has chosen books that inspire intergenerational reading experiences by selecting books for the story walk that emphasize nature, the seasons, and movement.
Each book on display will also be available at the local library, so families who enjoyed the book could check it out and take it home for multiple reads.
Sarah Thomas, KCLS spokesperson, said in a media release that story walks create a different way for families to read together.
“StoryWalks provide an innovative and fun way for children and their caretakers to enjoy reading outdoors,” Thomas said. She cites that story walks were pioneered by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and were developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Installing these permanent story walk boards was estimated to cost about $10,000. About $3,500 came from Enumclaw’s Lafromboise Memorial Fund, and $4,500 came from individual supporters. The last $2,000 needed to complete this project came from community donations, which will be honored with a placard at the end of the story walk.
If you can’t make the guided story walk, KCLS is also hosting various storytimes at the Enumclaw library for babies and families. No registration is required.
Baby storytimes will be Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. from June 29 to August 17. This storytime is intended for newborns until age two with an adult. There will be nursery rhymes, songs and stories.
Family storytimes will be Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. from June 29 to August 17. This storytime welcomes all ages with an adult. There will be stories, music, movement and rhymes that intend to develop children’s early literacy skills. Playtime and bubbles follow.
