The first-ever story trail from the Moose Jaw Public Library was such a success that the library is bringing the idea back as part of its summer reading program in June.
From June 22-29, a story trail featuring the picture book The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Canadian author Ashley Spires will be set up to take participants on an adventure through Crescent Park.
“It's just about making picture books available to families (where) they can walk through the park and browse and have some fun with reading,” said MJPL children’s librarian Tina Dolcetti.
The story is about brave Lou and all the things she can do, except maybe Lou isn’t sure she can climb a tree to play pirates with her friends — and she has lots of good reasons.
“It's an empowering picture book and it introduces kids to new Canadian authors,” said Dolcetti.
Pages from the book will be posted on a trail through the park, where participants can track them down to enjoy both some outdoor exercise and a family-friendly storytime.
The MJPL hosted the first story trail in January, and Dolcetti said the response was so great she jumped on the chance to have another set up in Moose Jaw.
The event is being sponsored by TD Canada, who are also the primary organizers of the MJPL’s annual summer reading program. The story trail will be a featured challenge on the ReaderZone app, as part of the program activities.
“TD is fostering things like this to be available to families during the summer, especially with COVID and everything,” said Dolcetti.
Dolcetti also hinted that more story trails are in the works for later in the summer.
“Stay tuned for further news, because there will be more popping up throughout the city and more availability for families to just enjoy being together, doing things outside for fun,” said Dolcetti.
