News Summary
The Fletcher Free Library has launched a new initiative called story strolls, encouraging families to enjoy reading outdoors. These displays feature pages from children’s books along designated paths, allowing children to engage with stories interactively. Positioned near construction sites on College Street and Main Street, this program aims to promote literacy and community involvement. Participants can collect passports with story-related questions and earn treats from local businesses upon completion. This initiative expands existing outdoor reading programs and aims to foster a love for books and nature in Burlington’s youth.
Burlington’s Fletcher Free Library Launches Outdoor Story Strolls to Promote Reading
Burlington, Vermont — The Fletcher Free Library has introduced a new outdoor activity called story strolls to encourage families and children to enjoy reading while outdoors. These story strolls are set along two construction fences in the city, providing a unique way for residents and visitors to engage with books and nature simultaneously.
What Are Story Strolls?
Story strolls are outdoor displays that present a sequence of pages from children’s books along a designated path. Families can walk from one station to the next, reading each page as they go. This innovative approach allows children to experience stories in a physical and interactive manner, promoting literacy and outdoor activity at the same time.
Locations of the New Story Strolls
The first story stroll location is situated along the fence near the library’s ongoing restoration project on College Street. This placement offers a scenic view while integrating the activity with a prominent community construction site. The second location runs along the construction fence on Main Street, making the activity accessible to a broad segment of the city’s population.
Existing Story Stroll Initiatives
The library already has established story strolls at library windows and at Leddy Park. The new outdoor walks expand these efforts, providing additional opportunities for families to engage with books in various outdoor and public spaces.
Child Participation and Incentives
To further motivate participation, the library has created passports for children that contain questions related to each story featured along the strolls. Children are encouraged to answer these questions after completing the walk. Once they finish, they can redeem their passports for a treat at Lake Champlain Chocolates, adding an incentive to explore and read.
Access and Engagement
Passports designed for participation can be obtained at the Fletcher Free Library. Library officials emphasize the importance of community involvement in the program, hoping it will foster a love for reading and outdoor activity among young residents.
Remarks from Library Leadership
The library’s Director has encouraged families to take advantage of the story strolls, highlighting the activity as a fun and educational way to enjoy Burlington’s outdoor spaces. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote literacy and community engagement through creative programming.
Background and Purpose
The Fletcher Free Library’s outdoor story strolls are designed to combine literacy, outdoor recreation, and community building. This initiative responds to increased interest in outdoor learning options and aims to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for children and families in a safe, open environment.
With these additions, the library continues to expand its efforts to foster a reading-friendly environment and provide innovative ways for children to connect with books outside traditional indoor settings. The programs are expected to run throughout the warmer months, offering ongoing opportunities for engagement.
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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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