Iredell County Public Library Launches StoryWalk with Community Partners
These responses were shared by Amanda Cain, Assistant Director for the Iredell County Public Library.
1. Where did the idea for the StoryWalk come from?
The idea for the StoryWalk came from conversations with the Iredell Friends of the Library board looking for a project to submit for the United Way’s Love Iredell campaign. Each year the United Way in Iredell County chooses several non-profit organizations to feature in their Love Iredell fundraiser in February. Citizens of Iredell County can choose a specific organization to donate to, or can donate to the fundraiser itself and those amounts are split evenly among the participants. We all thought that a StoryWalk was a worthwhile project to seek funding for, since it can be enjoyed by anyone who happens to be visiting the park. The library has partnered with the Iredell Friends of the Library, Iredell County Partnership for Young Children, and Iredell County Parks & Recreation department.
It is also a way for the library to meet people where they are. The park hosts youth league soccer games, has basketball courts, a community building and a covered playground for kids to enjoy. By installing a StoryWalk here, the library is able to provide families with a story while they are out enjoying the park and its amenities. It allows the families to circle the walking trail, enjoy an entertaining story, and learn about library programs and other organizations in the county that promote early literacy programs.
2. What kind of experience do you hope for families to have with the StoryWalk?
Our hope is that the families who interact with the StoryWalk enjoy the story, learn about the organizations that the library has partnered with and what they contribute to the community, and look forward to a new story each quarter.
3. Have you hosted similar programming before? Do you have any future plans for this project?
This is the Iredell County Public Library’s first StoryWalk installation, with another in the works with the City of Statesville. Library staff will be changing the story out at both locations on a quarterly basis, with the summer quarter story coinciding with the Summer Reading theme.
4. What kind of feedback have you received?
So far, the feedback has been very positive. We have advertised on social media and will continue to promote the StoryWalk regularly. All of our partners are also receiving positive feedback.