Summit Library Unveils StoryWalk®
On Saturday, September 10, the Summit Free Public Library officially unveiled its StoryWalk®. The StoryWalk® features a full-length picture book on 20 signs around the bushes on the Library’s front lawn. Families can follow the new stone path around the lawn to read the illustrated story together while surrounded by the outdoors. Each month, a new picture book will be displayed.
“The StoryWalk® idea at the Summit Free Public Library began as an offshoot of activities scheduled during the height of the pandemic,” explains Ann-Marie Aymer, Head of Youth Services at the Summit Library. “One such activity was a temporary StoryWalk® of “The Library Book” by Harry Chapin around the Library’s sidewalk. Due to its success, former Director Susan Permahos, Lisa O’Shaughnessy, and I decided it would be a good idea to create a more permanent installation. We contacted two parent leaders at Boy Scouts Troop 67 to see if any of the scouts were interested in creating one for the Summit Library.”
Local Eagle Scout Jeremy Betz took up this offer and created the Library’s StoryWalk® this spring, in association with the Summit Free Public Library and the Department of Public Works, as an Eagle Scout Service Project of Scouts BSA Troop 67, Summit, NJ.
“It was my pleasure to participate in the unveiling of the StoryWalk® at the Summit Free Public Library,” says Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “There have been some very creative Eagle Scout projects by young Summit residents and this initiative with the library is one of the best. Thank you to Jeremy Betz and the library and city staff for making an interesting and educational activity for us all to enjoy.”
In addition to Mayor Radest and Eagle Scout Jeremy Betz and his family, in attendance were former Director of the Library Susan Permahos, members of the Summit Library Board of Directors, members of the Summit Library Foundation, members of the Summit Police Department, and many members of the Summit community. Attendees were invited to read the featured picture book on the StoryWalk® and enjoy refreshments and a craft.
Patrons can also listen to the story as they walk by calling the Library’s Dial-A-Story at 908-277- 9480, option 1. This month’s read-aloud was recorded by Mayor Radest.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. The Summit Library StoryWalk® was funded by the Manley-Winser Foundation.
