StoryWalk allows families to read a book together page by page as they stroll through Lake Memorial Park.
By MADDY VITALE
Ocean City Free Public Library (OCFPL) staff members searched for ways to entertain, educate and enlighten their patrons, despite having to limit hours and cancel all in-house programs due to the pandemic.
When they chose a program for families to enjoy outside, keeping reading at the forefront, called StoryWalk, they hoped, but weren’t certain, it would be a success, explained OCFPL Director Karen Mahar.
Fast forward a few months and StoryWalk, which began in October, is hugely popular among children and adults. The reading program, held on various days and times each month, allows for social distancing and brings patrons together, safely outside at Lake Memorial Park, 407 Wesley Ave.
“It’s a great way to keep people active and outside during these COVID times, while books are at the forefront,” Mahar noted in an interview Wednesday. “We have gotten such great feedback from families. Now, they really want to know when the next program is.”
To date, more than 300 families have attended the program since it began in the fall. In addition to reading a book while strolling in the park, children enjoy scavenger hunts and prizes.
Library employees await families for StoryWalk in December. (Photo courtesy of OCFPL)
The program has been so well-received by the community that Mahar recently asked the city to allow the library to put up permanent structures that could handle inclement weather better than the temporary holders they have for the books now.
“Since it is in a city park, we have to put in an application for permanent structures,” Mahar explained.
She said city officials, including Daniel Kelcher, who is the director of the Community Services Department, are supportive of the idea.
“Dan said he loves the idea. It still has to go through all of the channels,” Mahar said about getting official approval to be able to install permanent structures.
Currently, the library is using wooden posts with laminated pages of the books selected for each StoryWalk.
“We are seeing the water is starting to get in between the pages,” Mahar noted. “You could see the wear and tear already. A permanent structure could be a frame made of some material that doesn’t rust.”
Mahar said the library staff discussed ideas where the book could be enclosed in glass and read more easily because it would be positioned on an angle, rather than upright. It would be low enough for kids to read easily and handicap-accessible.
StoryWalk is the latest activity offered by the library to engage children.
Here are some recent comments sent to the library from families who participated in StoryWalk since it began in Ocean City.
“Thank you so very much! This was awesome! We loved the story and it was a great activity during COVID! Thank you for the fun and family adventure! Signed, The Richter family, Jodi, Dan, Max and Violet."
Another family wrote, “You’re the best! We loved this and would love to do more at this park and other locations around the island!! Thank you! So much fun!! Kids loved looking for the characters!”
For more information, visit the Ocean City Free Public Library at www.oceancitylibrary.org.
