Children visiting Irwin Park later this year may have the opportunity to read a book while walking along a path, engaging in activities that coincide with the book’s theme.
The Norwin Public Library received approval from Irwin Borough Council this week to create a story walk. The experience will feature 15 to 20 pedestals holding weather-proofed plaques framed with pages of a children’s book.
“The plaques will suggest ways to enhance the child’s experience and to get them to look at the environment around them,” said Diana Falk, Norwin Public Library director.
Beyond adding to the park experience, the StoryWalk is designed to bolster early literacy skills.
“If ‘reluctant’ readers are in the park, they might read the books,” Falk said. “Children who don’t want to be active may be enticed if they know a book is involved. It might even make a reader take their book and read it at the park.”
Borough council will retain the rights to approve the story walk’s location and the specific books on display. The library plans to change the books monthly, with Falk noting that the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding could be a future theme.
Councilman Shawn Stitely said if the pedestals are placed around the walking and jogging track, they must be set a few feet off the path.
The park, located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Main Street, is bounded by an unnamed tributary of Tinker’s Run and Sweden Alley. It features an amphitheater, ballfields, a playground and parking.
To fund the project, the library received $7,000 from Calvary Church of North Huntingdon through its Calvary Cares Project. The library first contacted the church about fundraising for the project in 2024.
Initial plans called for a story walk at the library property on Caruthers Lane. However, church representatives felt the library’s sidewalk would be too crowded with pedestals.
“We’re looking for a better home than our sidewalk. The borough park is beautiful,” Falk said.
The Irwin Park project is modeled after a story walk the Monroeville Public Library installed at Community Park West in August.
“They’re springing up everywhere,” Falk said. “It’s a fun thing and it’s educational.”
Other local libraries, including those in Murrysville, New Kensington, Scottdale and Sewickley Township, have hosted temporary story walks, according to Malinda Tanner, district consultant librarian for the Westmoreland County Federated Library System.
“They are big draws with the kids and families,” Tanner said.
