Story along the Riveewalk combines reading, nature
Lying in bed, curled on the couch or cocooned in a hammock is a relaxing way to read.
But sometimes bookworms have the most fun while reading alongside Mother Nature, and Naperville's Riverwalk is the perfect setting to soak up the sun and take a stroll while reading.
Families can go on a reading adventure along the Riverwalk during Story Along the Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13. The interactive kid-friendly program will begin at the Riverwalk Skate Park, just north of Studio One at 500 W. Jackson Ave.
At the beginning of the program, Naperville Public Library staff members will hand a map to participants, who then will read from enlarged storybook pages while traveling along a designated path.
"Reading opens a world of knowledge and adventure to a young mind," Rashmi Mehrotra, the library's children's services supervisor, said. "While walking, there is always an accompanying adult - reading becomes a lot more meaningful with the adult interaction. It leads to curiosity.
"Walking is considered a recreational activity, and associating reading with it makes the reading experience positive and recreational. Nature walks stimulate curiosity, creativity and conversation."
During a conference, Mehrotra learned about presenting the StoryWalk project that was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, who developed the initiative in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library.
"The walk will have 26 stops once they get the map and directions near the Studio One parking lot," Mehrotra said. "The first 25 will be the actual pages from the book to be read along with directional signs to find the next page while walking."
Featured on the walk will be enlarged pages from the children's book "Stellaluna," which is about a baby bat who gets separated from her mom and ends up in a bird's nest.
"We wanted a traditional book with a beginning and an end, a classic that is still available in big book format," Mehrotra added.
The library has partnered with the DuPage Children's Museum and Naperville Park District to present the program. At the end of the walk, DuPage Children's Museum staff members will showcase portable versions of the museum's educational exhibits.
"We will be providing Build It Big Tinker Toys, which explore math and engineering concepts, and Pin Screens that encourage children to explore texture, three-dimensional reflection and matching," said Bri Bromberek, the museum's marketing manager.
Individuals can start the walk any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. and stroll at their own pace.
"The StoryWalk is such a unique event, and the Naperville Park District is very pleased to be a part of it," said Sameera Luthman, director of marketing for the district.
"Combining two recreational activities like reading and walking, while making it a family event, is a wonderful way to illustrate to children the importance of engaging both minds and bodies."