Submitted by The San Juan Island Library.

The San Juan Island Library, in partnership with Island Rec, is offering two Story Walks® that will be open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day.

A StoryWalk® is a creative way for people to enjoy literacy and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from picture books are attached to signs that are placed along popular walking paths for children and adults to see and interact with as they explore the outdoor spaces. Suggested activities that go along with the story are featured on each sign to promote healthy movement and exercise.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalks® have been installed in 50 states and more than 13 countries, including Canada, Malaysia, England, and South Korea. San Juan Island Library’s first community StoryWalk® installation was in partnership with the Land Bank in October 2021.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Island Rec this year to bring our second StoryWalk® project to Friday Harbor,” said Melina Lagios, San Juan Island Library Youth Services Manager. “Linde Park and the Family Park at the Fairgrounds are popular destinations for our local families. Children of all ages, especially preschoolers, love following along with the stories and finding the next sign and activity, which is a fantastic way to help build their early literacy skills while being on the move and physically active.”

At John O. Linde Community Park enjoy the story of Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña and learn how Valentina helps protect her fragile island’s wildlife and natural beauty. The story is inspired by the real-life childhood of Valentina Cruz and is both educational and inspirational for all ages. The text is presented in English and Spanish.

Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea is the book selection for the StoryWalk® at the Family Park at the Fairgrounds. This sing-song rhyming story features different ocean animals and is wonderful for families with toddlers and preschoolers.

Both StoryWalks® were made possible through grant funding from the Women’s Fund of SJICF. Enjoy the StoryWalks®, step-by-step and page-by-page! For more information about programs and services for families, please visit www.sjlib.org and www.islandrec.org.