Community book walk debuts in Monroeville

Community Park West in Monroeville is home to a new book walk, a storytelling experience designed for families to read a story as they walk along a path.

The community was invited to a ribbon cutting Aug. 11 to check out the permanent book stands installed by Monroeville Public Works.

“Book walks throughout the community have been well-received and appreciated by community members of all ages,” said Monroeville Public Library head of public relations Alice Rathjen.

According to library Director Nicole Henline, the project was five or six years in the making. Originally, the book walk used lawn signs, but because they were easily damaged in the weather, the library wanted to eventually use fixed stands.

Friends of Monroeville Public Library stepped up to secure funds – just under $11,000 – to cover the project. All of the money for the project came from the Friends’ fundraising efforts.

“The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library are so excited to fund the book walk to promote early literacy, bring the library outdoors and provide a magical surprise for everyone who walks through the park,” Friends President Diane Lindsey said. “What’s better than a book at the library? A book at the park.”

The Monroeville library board and community parks and recreation department also played a role in making the book walk come to fruition.

“We are so excited that the community book walk is finally a reality,” library head of children’s services Hope Benson said. “With the financial support of the Friends of the Monroeville Public Library and boots-on-the-ground support from the municipality, specifically public works and parks and recreation, we are able to meet a community need.”

Stories on the path will change monthly. Every month, librarians Catriona Kirk and Ally Wetherhold will print and laminate new stories and switch them out at the park.

“Cat and Ally were instrumental in getting this project completed,” Benson said.

The park is at 2399 Tilbrook Lane.