Literacy-boosting initiative can be viewed from August 1 to September 15
MONTCLAIR, NJ (July 18, 2024) — This August, families can enjoy Walk + Read Montclair, a literacy-boosting initiative consisting of storybook pages lining walking paths in three local parks. Families will encounter an unfolding children’s story, page by page as lawn signage, until they reach the end of the path. This initiative is free to enjoy any time of day, and is a partnership of the Judy Weston Garden, Montclair Public Library, and Montclair Public Library Foundation.
The three children’s books selected are:
- “The Fab Cab” by Jill Lauren, installed in Glenfield Park
- “In the Tall, Tall Grass” by Denise Fleming, installed in Nishuane Park
- “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, installed in Watchung Park
“Reading is so important but it is also fun, as illustrated by these joyful storywalks,” says Library Director Janet Torsney. “We are absolutely committed to doing everything we can to support students, families, teachers—our entire community—on their reading journeys.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 1 at 2 p.m. in Glenfield Park to kick off the StoryWalk Festival. Additional events will take place on Saturday, August 3 at Watchung Park at 9:30 a.m. and Nishuane Park at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“We are ‘Skit Skat Skoodle Doot’ delighted to bring the magic of story walking to Watchung Park,” adds Elly Meeks, The Judy Weston Garden Director of Programs and Community Engagement.
For more information about Montclair’s literacy programs, go to montclairlibrary.org/reading.
About the Judy Weston Garden
The Judy Weston Garden at Watchung Park is a vital tribute to a late, great friend of Montclair offering the community a place to reflect and connect.
About the Montclair Public Library
Founded in 1893, the Montclair Public Library serves the residents of Montclair, New Jersey. It has two facilities: the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue (open seven days a week) and the Bellevue Avenue Branch at 185 Bellevue Avenue (open six days a week). In 2023, the Library saw 170,000 visits; circulated 390,000 items including books, eBooks, movies, Wi-Fi hotspots, museum passes, tools, and recreational objects; and welcomed 22,000 participants in a wide variety of programs that reflect Montclair’s energy and diversity. Visit montclairlibrary.org for hours of operation and current services.
About the Montclair Public Library Foundation
The Montclair Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides support and advocacy for a strong public library in Montclair, NJ. The Board and staff raise funds year-round for library programs, events, collection enhancement, staff development, special projects, and other critical needs that exceed municipal funding. The vision of the Foundation is to enhance and expand the library’s role as a community pillar; to ensure free and equitable access to resources; and to ensure the future of our library as a robust center of literacy, economic opportunity, life-long learning, discovery, and community life. Please visit montclairplf.org for more information.
About StoryWalks
This initiative is based on the concept of a StoryWalk®, which was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library of Montpelier, Vermont, to “promote early literacy, physical activity, and family time together in nature.” Since its inception, StoryWalks have appeared in communities across the U.S. and worldwide including Canada, Europe, and Asia.