WILMINGTON, MA — After unanimous approval from the Board of Selectmen on Monday night, the Wilmington Memorial Library is set to install a “Story Walk” at Rotary Park.
“[Story Walks] have been installed all over the country. There’s quite a few in our neighboring communities,” Youth Services Librarian Barbara Rabb told Selectmen. “We will basically take a children’s picture book, [tear] out the pages, laminate the pages, mount each page to a fiberglass pole, and put the poles around the pond at Rotary Park.”
Library staff will swap out the story walk’s featured book every three months, so the experience remains “fresh.” Books will generally be geared towards children in preschool through early elementary schools.
“We think it’s great for the families of Wilmington to get outside, to be physically active by walking around the pond, and to get to read a book together,” added Rabb.
The cost of the project is minimal and will be covered by the Friends of the Library. Library staff will handle any maintenance and hopes to involve local youth organizations, including the scouting program, with any upkeep. The Wilmington DPW approved of the project, noting the poles will be positioned as to not interfere with lawn mowing.
“I think this is a great idea. I really appreciate your work here. I appreciate the Friends of the Library who are going to contribute to this. I look forward to it and hope residents will take advantage,” Selectmen Greg Bendel told Rabb, a sentiment that was echoed by his colleagues.
“Barbara has been with the town for about 7 years,” noted Town Manager Jeff Hull. “Through all of her efforts, the number of youth service programs has doubled and the number of program attendees has doubled. She’s brought reading programs on the road, to places like Yentile Farm and Silver Lake. She’s always looking for news to inspire and interest our young readers. She’s very instrumental in all the library’s efforts.”
“I have a great director, Tina Stewart. I have a great staff. We really try to work hard for the families of Wilmington,” responded Rabb.
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