The Milton Public Library is excited to announce that they have received a $5,000 grant from the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation for Story Gardens, an open air branch of the library that will promote literacy and life-long learning through its literature-based themes and outdoor library programs. Specifically, this grant will go towards the creation of a permanent StoryWalk® along the walkway that will circle the perimeter of Story Gardens. The StoryWalk® will feature seventeen stations made with powder coated aluminum and a frame with a polycarbonate sheet to protect book pages.
The Steven Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation supports charities, educational initiatives, and organizations aimed at building strong families and healthy kids, empowering them to chase and achieve their dreams.
StoryWalk® is an innovated and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. It was created by Anne Ferguson in Montpelier, VT, and developed with the help of Rachel Senechal. Libraries across the country regularly incorporate StoryWalks® into library programming and 2021 featured the first celebration of StoryWalk® Week, created by Let’s Move in Libraries and the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services.
The StoryWalk® is expected to be installed in early Spring of 2022. Library staff will use the stations to frequently highlight various picture books and to provide additional information and learning for various programs.
More information about Story Gardens, including sponsorship and donation opportunities, can be found at the library’s website at www.miltonpubliclibrary.org, or you may also contact Library Director Ashlee Kunkel at kunkel.ashlee@als.lib.wi.us or 608-868-7462.