Staunton Library's Story Book Walk now in place at local park

The Staunton Public Library invites everyone to stop by Water Tower Park on West Sixth Street to see their new permanent Story Book Walk.

"It has been a dream of ours for a few years to put in a permanent interactive structure," said librarian Julie Jarman. "Luckily, a grant opportunity from Illinois Humanities Foundation came our way allowing us to complete this special project for our community."

However, when it came time to order the display cases, the prices in materials and shipping doubled forcing them to fund raise locally to help cover the additional costs. Thanks to Duda Ace Hardware, Cisler Real Estate and Associates, Staunton Cares founded by Roxanne Gregory, John Hochmuth and family, Tom and Jayne Cioni, Russ and Anita Masinelli, Brad and Deborah McNaughton and Brian and Julie Jarman, additional funding was raised fairly quickly and the order was placed last October.

The City of Staunton, thanks to Mike Kuethe and his crew, safely stored the Story Book Walk materials until they were ready to begin the next phase.

"Once spring arrived, my family spent four different days in April installing the posts, the top display cases and the first story in the Story Book Walk," Jarman stated.

Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood, is the first to go in the permanent walk about a boy explaining all the characteristics that define him. The expressive pictures and short phrases on each page make it perfect for reading along the path. The library staff will change out the children’s story every four to five weeks, weather permitting. The library staff has 30 picture books ready to go for the Story Book Walk with the plan to keep making a few more each year.

"We hope everyone will take a minute to walk down the path to the playground and enjoy the story as they go," said Jarman.

The library feels very fortunate to have the support of the Staunton Library Board, the Staunton City Council, the Staunton work crews, the Staunton Police Department and all of their family and friends that make these dreams possible.

They will continue to present the mobile Story Book Unit around the outside of the library as the weather allows as well as put a wonderful story out in the front hallway. Life is so much better with a book to share.