Storywalk
By Sylvia Arnold & Charlotte Harding
Once upon a time, an idea took hold in a marvellous community called Martinborough, whose young and old residents are book lovers. Here is the tale of the Martinborough StoryWalk®, a project for the community by the community…
The Friends of Martinborough Library was a charitable trust established in 2017. The Friends were a group of keen library supporters who raised funds for library projects, primarily for children and families. The last of the fundraising efforts aligned with the library’s move to the Waihinga Centre and plans for creating a magical space for the children who visited. As plans for the Centre took hold, many ideas could not come to fruition. The Friends decided to hold off and wait and see how things progressed as the library settled into its new home.
Time went on, and the official group disbanded, but the funds and the intention to use them for children remained. Some funds were used to host Dinovember, a magical month of Dino fun, in 2020. But in early 2021, a discussion over coffee led to the idea of installing a StoryWalk.® It is the perfect fit for using some of the funds raised. The Wairarapa Library Service (WLS), inspired by the success of the StoryWalk® overseas, saw the potential for this activity to promote libraries and reading while bringing value to the Martinborough community.
What is a StoryWalk®?
The StoryWalk® initiative aims to get people out and about in nature together, combining the benefits of physical exercise and reading to promote well-being. Embedded into the activity is a range of early literacy skills. For example, as you move from post to post to read the next page of the story, a sense of anticipation builds. It is a fun activity that increases the joy of reading.
The WLS presented the concept to the Considine Park Committee, who loved the idea of installing a family-friendly activity. Its proximity to Martinborough School, Kindy and the local daycare centres will see it become a well-utilized activity in a beautiful green space. We also know this will be a perfect addition to a family-friendly park alongside the pump track project and community pool.
Interest in the project built as community groups offered their skills, and a local author permitted the use of their book. The Martinborough Men’s shed, armed with photos and dimensions from the Instructable website, has worked quickly and ably to produce the stands for the StoryWalk®. They have supported the concept of this community project from the beginning, and their time and skills have proven invaluable.
Installation of the StoryWalk® at Considine Park, under the guidance of the SWDC, will see it ready for the Wairarapa Walking Festival in November. Plans are afoot for a spectacular launch for the first story. Follow the WLS Facebook page for updates.
For further information, please email library@wls.org.nz
“The StoryWalk® project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.”
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