Siouxland Libraries Opens First-Ever StoryWalk® in Hartford
Published on May 07, 2024
Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Today, Siouxland Libraries celebrated the grand opening of the first StoryWalk® in its service area at Turtle Creek Park (303 East Railroad Street) in Hartford. The project is a collaborative effort between Siouxland Libraries, the City of Hartford, and the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce (HACC).
The StoryWalk® features pages from a children’s book displayed on 20 reading stations along approximately 860 feet of the trail. Visitors can enjoy a complete story while getting some exercise, making it a fun and engaging activity for all ages. A new story will be featured each month, with Unicorn NOT Wanted by Fred Blunt kicking things off at the ribbon cutting.
“Introducing the StoryWalk® shows Hartford’s dedication to increasing access to literature and library services throughout the county,” said Alysia Boysen, Senior Librarian at Siouxland Libraries. “This StoryWalk® provides a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to combine literacy skills and exercise in a beatiful park.”
Local daycares and community members attended and enjoyed crafts provided by Knotty Gnome and a visit from the Bookmobile after the ceremony.
“The City of Hartford is pleased to be the first community in Minnehaha County to offer the StoryWalk® to our residents and visitors,” City of Hartford Mayor Arden Jones said. “We have had a great long-term relationship with Siouxland Libraries and are thrilled to embark on this next step. Come to Hartford to take a walk on our StoryWalk®!”
The Hartford Branch (119 North Main Avenue, Unit A) has been a cornerstone of the community since 1960, championing innovation and access to literacy resources. The branch was the first in the Siouxland Libraries system to offer expanded access after business hours and has seen a 28 percent increase in users since doubling in size last year.
Arden Jones, Mayor of Hartford, and Joel Rosenthal, President of the Siouxland Libraries Board of Trustees, also delivered remarks celebrating the collaboration and innovation behind the StoryWalk® project.
The StoryWalk® is open during park hours. For more information, visit siouxlandlib.org.
ABOUT SIOUXLAND LIBRARIES
Guided by a mission of learning and literacy, Siouxland Libraries supports Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County with resources like creative learning programs for children and teens, job and career assistance for our community’s workforce, and free computer and Internet access for everyone. Siouxland Libraries connects people to learning and provides access with 13 branch locations. Get a library card today!