Pooler Launches StoryWalk Initiative to Promote Literacy and Healthy Living in Local Park

Pooler Hosts Unique StoryWalk Experience in the Park!

In a delightful effort to promote healthy living and literacy, the charming city of Pooler recently kicked off its very first StoryWalk experience, featuring the delightful children’s book titled “Snow in the Jungle”! This enchanting tale follows a polar bear named Snow, who finds herself moving to a new, unfamiliar environment where everything is different—from the food to the weather to the local language!

What’s the Buzz About?

Executive Director of the local library, Lola DeWitt, shared her excitement about this new initiative. “This is a new project for us, in collaboration with Chatham County Parks,” she said. The initiative aims to engage families and encourage them to step outdoors, a mindset that gained traction during the pandemic when families were yearning for activities that allowed them to stay connected to the community while staying safe. “We wanted to have something that was focused on healthy living and literacy,” she added.

The StoryWalk experience is a fantastic blend of literature and exercise, allowing families to enjoy reading while taking a leisurely stroll through Tom Triplett Park. Imagine walking through the beautiful greenery while discovering the touching story of Snow’s adventures—how amazing does that sound?

A Celebration of Diversity

An impressive feature of this StoryWalk is that the book is displayed in both English and Spanish. This decision reflects the library’s commitment to inclusivity, especially as the local community rapidly grows more diverse. According to reports, the Hispanic population in Chatham County has increased by an astounding 66% over the last decade!

Betsy McCullar, the Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships, emphasized this development: “I believe in Chatham County schools, there are over 25 languages that they’re trying to accommodate. We’re trying to do our part to incorporate languages other than English in everything we’re doing going forward.” It’s heartening to see such great efforts being made to ensure that families of all backgrounds feel welcome and included.

A Fun-filled Community Day

Families gathered at the park for a special reading of “Snow in the Jungle,” first in English, followed by its Spanish counterpart. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheer, as children excitedly listened to the story while their parents enjoyed the beautiful surroundings.

The StoryWalk isn’t a one-time event; it’s here to stay! McCullar mentioned that the book will be changed every quarter, providing fresh opportunities for families to discover new stories, themes, and adventures together. If you missed this first magical event, fear not! The next StoryWalk will take place next Saturday, November 17, at the stunning Lake Mayer.

What’s Next for StoryWalk?

Looking ahead, the library team is on a quest to find more suitable locations for future StoryWalks, including neighboring counties like Effingham and Liberty. McCullar hinted that they will be partnering with the local Parks and Recreation Department for several other initiatives aimed at community engagement. The best part? The library is committed to offering these experiences free of charge, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun.

“It’s important for us that the space be public and accessible to everyone,” McCullar confirmed. Families can look forward to exploring new stories while enjoying the great outdoors and creating cherished memories in their community.

So grab your walking shoes and your favorite little ones, because it’s time to step outside and dive into the magical world of stories right here in Pooler!