Sedona Public Library Brings StoryWalk to Sunset Park

Imagine strolling with your kids through Sunset Park in the early evening when the day has finally cooled down, and suddenly you see a page of a children’s book displayed on a nearby fence, then you see another, and then another! Before you know it, you’ve walked the length of the grassy field and enjoyed an entire story. Welcome to Sedona Public Library’s inaugural StoryWalk, launching on Wednesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m., at Sunset Park.

StoryWalk kicks off with music, song, and a terrific children’s picture book: If You Plant a Seed, by award winning author Kadir Nelson. Mayor Sandra Moriarty will lead the first walk by the pages of this delightful book where bright-eyed animals share a story of generosity and compassion.

Residents and visitors alike can stroll 300 feet of park fence where every 20 feet they will find another laminated spread of colorful book pages hung at just the right height so children can easily see the illustrations and read the text.
This free program combines favorite summertime activities: walking and reading. The national fitness and literacy project has inspired adults and children to read together while encouraging healthy outdoor activity in all 50 states and 11 countries.

Enjoy StoryWalk all summer long, and watch for a new StoryWalk in the fall. StoryWalk is made possible through a partnership with the City of Sedona Parks and Recreation and donors who love art and literacy.
The laminated story pages of this pilot project were assembled with the help of local teens. The summer and fall displays will establish interest and audience levels in preparation for permanent display stations where the Library will share stories outdoors throughout the year.

Visitors are encouraged to share their StoryWalk experience on evaluations at the park or on social media with photos, comments, and suggestions. If you’d like to support a permanent StoryWalk, contact the Development Director at 928-282-7714, ext. 125.

For more information about StoryWalk, and other Library programs, visit our Facebook page, our website at sedonalibrary.org, or call 928-282-7714. For more information about Sunset Park, 655 Sunset Drive, Sedona, visit http://www.sedonaaz.gov.

Sedona Public Library
​Column for July 7, 2017
Written by Anne Marie Mackler, Development Director