Healthy Acadia, Porter Memorial Library to Launch StoryWalk® Project in Machias
For Immediate Release
Release Date: September 11, 2023
Program Contact: Shannon Cherry, shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org or (207) 255-3741 Ext. 120
Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org or (207) 667-7171 Ext. 112
Healthy Acadia, Porter Memorial Library to Launch StoryWalk® Project in Machias
Machias, ME. Healthy Acadia, Maine SNAP-Ed and Porter Memorial Library have teamed up to launch a StoryWalk® on the library grounds in downtown Machias. StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along an easily accessible community walking route.
A StoryWalk® is an innovative and interactive way to engage with a children's storybook while enjoying the outdoors. It combines the joy of reading with physical activity and the beauty of nature. In a StoryWalk®, the pages of a picture book are spread out sequentially along a walking path or trail. As visitors stroll along the path, they can read the story.
StoryWalks are often set up in parks, gardens, nature trails, or other outdoor spaces accessible to the public. It's a wonderful activity for children and families to immerse themselves in a story while enjoying the surroundings and getting some exercise. Plus, it's a great way to make reading and learning a dynamic and memorable experience.
The StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library will feature a different book each month, carefully selected to be woven with themes tied to the season. At the end of their walk, visitors will find a healthy recipe inspired by the book that they can make at home.
The project was initiated by Healthy Acadia Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator, Shannon Cherry. In addition to offering healthy cooking and nutrition classes in schools and community settings, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators also support local food projects throughout the year. These PSE (Policy, Systems, and Environmental) Change Projects help to increase community access to healthy, fresh food.
"This is such an important project to me for so many reasons,” said Cherry. “I envisioned creating a unique, year-round StoryWalk; one with a thoughtfully selected rotation of books to encourage community members, of all ages, to spend more time reading and being outdoors. Additionally, I want to provide guests with a healthy, take-home, recipe that has a connection to the book of the month.”
"I love the idea of having a story walk at the library,” said JuliAnne Van Norden, Children’s Library Volunteer with Porter Memorial Library. “Doing this project in partnership with Healthy Acadia is a perfect fit for our community."
“I truly hope that this project brings joy and a sense of nostalgia,” Cherry adds. “And it also inspires all who visit in the coming years to incorporate more healthy habits into their lives!"
The StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library will officially open on Friday, October 6, 2023, with the beloved children’s book, Pumpkin Jack, by Will Hubbell, which introduces young readers to gardening, composting, and of course, pumpkins. A launch event will be held from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and include light refreshments, a sampling of book-themed recipes, a pumpkin decorating station, and more. All interested community members are welcome and encouraged to attend this free, family-friendly event.
The project partners extend a special thanks to community member Mary White, who sponsored the book selection for the month of October, and Pineo’s True Value Hardware for the donation of pumpkins for the grand opening event. If you are interested in sponsoring a book of the month for the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library, contact Shannon Cherry at shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org or (207) 255-3741.
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.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Office for Family Independence (OFI) at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and implemented statewide by the University of New England (UNE) through contracts with local community organizations. Maine SNAP-Ed educates families experiencing low income on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact mainesnap-ed@une.edu or 207-221-4560 for more information.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.