Sutton Free Library

What is a StoryWalk®?
 

The StoryWalk® concept was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and was developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Through their collective efforts, StoryWalks® have been installed in all 50 states and 12 foreign countries. Typically, pages from a children’s book are installed along a path. As you stroll along the path, you’re directed to the next page in the story. Sometimes pages are accompanied by activities or information.
 

StoryWalk® projects have broad appeal: build community, physical activity, reading/literacy, family time. They inspire families, educators and caregivers to take children outdoors and to support the development of lifetime learners and contributing members of a community.
 

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Why does SFL have a StoryWalk®?
 

Sutton Free Library (SFL) is always looking for new ways to connect with members of the community who might not otherwise stop by the building. A StoryWalk® is a great way to invite these residents "into" the library. Additionally, it gives the library a chance to expand its footprint without significant construction costs. What we love about this program is that it gets us outside of our four walls.
 

We believe that this StoryWalk® is a win-win for everyone: families will play outside together, having fun and creating memories, children will build school-readiness skills, patrons will help connect to and feel ownership of their community, residents will come discover the adjacent waterfall and the wildlife within all while experiencing fresh air and appreciating our beautiful town that we're all so fortunate to live in. We are a community institution, and believe that this can be a multi-use, multi-generational gathering space.

 

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Who funded SFL’s StoryWalk®?
 

SFL applied for, and was awarded with, a $1,208.00 New Hampshire State Library IMLS ARPA Formulaic Sub-grant. These funds were then generously matched by both the Friends of Sutton Free Library and the SFL Board of Trustees (BOT). Posts and cement were donated by LaValleys of Newport. Funding did not come from the SFL operating budget and therefore no monies were raised by taxation.

 

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How do we envision using SFL's StoryWalk®?
 

The StoryWalk® naturally lends itself to creative adaptations. Here are just a few ideas we’ve come up with so far. This walk can be enjoyed year-round minus periods of extreme snow accumulation. Creative ideas, suggestions and submissions are always welcome! This is a community space and a community project. Please let us know if you have an idea or if you would like to collaborate on a display!
 

• Books to complement a library or community event/celebration/season.

• Include song recommendations on the StoryWalk® to accompany the story. Scan a QR code to listen to the song.

• Place crafts outside with the StoryWalk®, or provide related Take and Makes at the library

• Ask a high school foreign language class/ student to translate a book into the language they’re studying.

• Use QR codes to link to the library, surveys, additional activities etc.

• Math and Coding strolls.

• Promote physical fitness by having a different exercise, yoga pose, or dance move at each station.

• Display artwork by children or other patrons.

• Invite patrons to write/ illustrate their own story for display.

• Sutton Historical Trivia.

• Curate a poetry exhibit by local submission.

 

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In Loving Memory

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We’re honored to share that this StoryWalk® is dedicated in loving memory of long-time Board of Trustee member, Beth Cernek. In addition to being a proud advocate of Sutton Free Library, Beth was an art teacher in the Kearsarge district, an avid nature enthusiast, loved spending time in the garden, and adored the Sutton community.