News Summary
The Fletcher Free Library has introduced story strolls to encourage outdoor reading and family engagement in Burlington. With storybooks displayed along construction fences, families can enjoy reading while walking. The initiative includes passports for children, which they can use to answer questions about the stories. Completed passports can be exchanged for treats, further promoting literacy and community interaction through literature.
Burlington, Vt. – The Fletcher Free Library has launched an innovative program called story strolls to promote outdoor reading and community engagement. Families can now enjoy the combined experience of walking and reading at two new story stroll locations along construction fences in the city.
Story strolls consist of various storybooks displayed outdoors, allowing individuals to walk from page to page while enjoying literature together. One of the new locations is along the library’s restoration project on College Street, while the second is positioned along the construction fence on Main Street. This initiative complements existing story strolls already set up in the library windows and at Leddy Park.
To make the experience even more engaging, the Fletcher Free Library has created passports for children. These passports include questions related to each story featured in the strolls, encouraging young readers to think critically about what they are reading. After completing the stroll and answering the questions, children can return their completed passports to redeem a treat from Lake Champlain Chocolates, adding a delightful reward to their literary adventure.
Passports to participate in the story strolls and earn a prize can be obtained directly from the Fletcher Free Library. This initiative is part of the library’s broader effort to foster literacy and a love for reading in a fun and interactive manner.
Details of the Story Stroll Locations
The story stroll setup includes vibrant displays of popular children’s books, with pages affixed securely along the designated construction fences. This allows families to leisurely walk along while enjoying selected stories that are appealing and suitable for children. The locations are designed to make literature accessible outside the confines of a traditional library setting, thereby encouraging families to take advantage of the pleasant outdoors.
Existing and New Locations
The Fletcher Free Library’s story strolls are not entirely new; the library has previously set up similar displays in its windows and existing locations such as Leddy Park, helping to promote reading within the community. The addition of the College Street and Main Street locations reflects the library’s commitment to expanding access to engaging reading materials.
The Community Impact
Mary Danko, the Library Director at Fletcher Free Library, is optimistic about the potential impact of the story strolls in Burlington. This initiative encourages families to spend quality time together while also emphasizing the importance of literacy and education in a fun way. The combination of reading, walking, and receiving a treat serves as an incentive for families to actively engage with literature and each other, ultimately fostering a vibrant reading culture in the community.
Conclusion
In an age where digital content often overshadows traditional reading, events like the story strolls offer a unique opportunity for families to reconnect with literature in a social and interactive environment. As the Fletcher Free Library continues to enhance its offerings, the introduction of story strolls represents a meaningful step towards promoting lifelong reading habits among children and families in Burlington. With passports available at the library, families are encouraged to participate, explore the outdoor displays, and enjoy the delightful rewards at the end of their reading journey.
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Additional Resources
- WCAX: Fletcher Free Library Adds Story Strolls
- MSN Lifestyle: Fletcher Free Library Launches Story Walks
- Burlington Free Press: Where to Find Christmas Light Displays in Vermont
- Wikipedia: Storywalk
- Google Search: Reading Initiatives for Children

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