17 Jul Turning Pages and Taking Steps: Akron Celebrates New Permanent StoryWalk from $5,000 Grant
On June 30, 2025, Pike Memorial Park in Akron held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new permanent StoryWalk, a project several years in the making. Since 2020, the Akron Carnegie Public Library has hosted a temporary StoryWalk display each July, quickly establishing it as a popular and highly anticipated seasonal tradition within the community. Continue reading
Created by Anne Ferguson, StoryWalk is a literacy-boosting initiative that has been adopted by communities across the country. It involves deconstructing an illustrated children’s book and displaying it page by page along a community walking route. Many installations also feature activity prompts to enrich the experience. The goal is to encourage early literacy and physical activity among families, while also offering opportunities to enjoy nature and engage with the local community.
The Akron community embraced the summer program from the start, with strong participation and growing enthusiasm each year. In response to the ongoing public interest and feedback, the library pursued a more permanent solution. Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Fulton County Community Foundation, a fund affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, the project was brought to life. The new installation allows families to enjoy rotating stories year-round, turning a simple walk in the park into an educational experience.
To locate StoryWalks in your area or learn more about this national initiative, visit your local public library or explore your state’s trail website.
