Vienna Public Library establishes Storywalk
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VIENNA -- After several months of preparation, the Vienna Public Library has unveiled its new Storywalk, which is located on the walking path of Spencer's Landing in Vienna.
"It's a great project and it's something we are really proud of," Vienna Mayor Randy Rapp said. "It'll be really good for the city because it encourages kids to read and walk and get exercise."
Brenna Call, Director of Library Services, said the Storywalk project was done with the financial support of Friends of the Vienna Public Library through book sale fundraisers and donations.
The City of Vienna also assisted in the process through the Public Works Department, which built the 18 structures that hold the pages around Spencer's Landing, according to both Rapp and Call.
Although several other libraries in the area have Storywalks of their own, these permanent structures will allow the Storywalk to become a staple for children and families in Vienna for years to come.
The Vienna Public Library is offering only curbside pick-up services due to coronavirus and has experienced complete closure in the past due to the pandemic, according to Call, so the staff has tried to brainstorm ways to keep the public engaged and encouraged.
"We were trying to think of ways we could still meet those community needs and do it safely," Call said. "A number of years ago I went to a national library conference and that was the first time I'd ever really heard of the Storywalk concept. It was an idea I have always wanted to implement, but never really found the right time … and so it became clear to me that this was the right time to implement that remote service."
Call explained that the library hopes to change the current book on display every two or three months so families and children can look forward to new, exciting tales.
"Our current book is 'The Mitten,' which is a retelling of a Ukranian folktale, and of course it's a wintery story, which I thought was appropriate for this time of year," Call said.
With the Storywalk being outdoors and providing plenty of room for social distancing, this new installment is the perfect way to enjoy reading and the environment amidst the pandemic, she said.
"You can go with your family or you can go alone," Call said. "So really there doesn't have to be any contact with anybody outside of your 'COVID bubble' … we are really excited and grateful for this."
Jenna Pierson can be reached at jpierson@newsandsentinel.com