The Natrona County Library is excited to announce its newest addition, Casper’s first and only StoryWalk®! The Library will be hosting a special launch event at Crossroads Park on Saturday, April 29th from 1-3 PM to introduce this new feature to the community, complete with activities, snacks, and prizes. The StoryWalk® is an innovative concept that combines the joys of reading with the pleasures of walking in nature. This exciting new attraction is funded by a generous grant from the Wyoming Humanities Council and the Friends of the Natrona County Library, and offered in partnership with 71 Construction, the City of Casper, and the Platte River Trails Trust.
The StoryWalk is a unique experience that will take you on a journey through the scenic Platte River Trail. The walk is an interactive, self-guided activity that features pages from a children’s book displayed on large signs along the trail. The book’s pages are placed in sequence, so readers can enjoy the story while walking and exploring the beautiful trail. The StoryWalk is a fun and engaging way for families to spend time together outdoors while promoting reading and physical activity.
“The StoryWalk is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, explore the great outdoors, and foster a love of reading,” said Lisa Scroggins, the Library’s Executive Director. “This project is 100 percent grant-funded, and we are thrilled to have the support of the Wyoming Humanities Council, the Friends of the Library, and our partners in making this unique experience possible for our patrons.”
The StoryWalk features the book “Bear Came Along” by Richard T. Morris, a cheerful and action-packed adventure about the importance of friendship and community that’s perfect for all ages.
“I chose the award-winning picture book ‘Bear Came Along’ as our first StoryWalk selection because of the engaging story and the parallels between the book’s river and our own Platte River,” said Chelsie Troutman, the manager of this library project. “This book is a favorite among children and adults alike, and we are excited for our community to experience it in a new way.”
The StoryWalk will be open to the public and free to use. Visitors can access the trail at Crossroads Park at 1101 N Poplar Street. The walk is available during regular park hours, from dawn until dusk.
“We are proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to promote literacy and healthy outdoor activities,” said Chuck Shipley, owner of 71 Construction. “The StoryWalk is a great example of how partnerships can make a positive impact on our community.”
The launch of the StoryWalk is an exciting addition to the Natrona County Library and the Casper community. The library encourages families to take advantage of this unique opportunity to combine reading and physical activity in a beautiful natural setting.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
For more information on the StoryWalk, plan on attending the launch event on Saturday, April 29th, visit the Natrona County Library’s website, or contact the Library at (307) 577-READ.