Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Hartford welcomes county's first outdoor book trail

SiouxLand Libraries and Hartford representatives opening counties' first StoryWalk
Evan Walton
/
SDPB
SiouxLand Libraries and Hartford representatives opening counties' first StoryWalk
"Unicorn Not Wanted," by Fred Blunt on Hartford's StoryWalk trail
Evan Walton
/
SDPB
"Unicorn Not Wanted," by Fred Blunt on Hartford's StoryWalk trail
Crowd at StoryWalk ribbon cutting in Hartford
Evan Walton
/
SDPB
Crowd at StoryWalk ribbon cutting in Hartford

Siouxland Libraries is partnering with Hartford to open Minnehaha County’s first StoryWalk.

The StoryWalk is a children’s book displayed at Turtle Creek Park. The book is displayed along a trail through 20 outdoor stations containing pages of the book, allowing people who pass by to read the story.

Local daycares, schools, and public are encouraged to bring kids to experience the StoryWalk. The trail is currently displaying the book “Unicorn NOT Wanted,” by Fred Blunt.

Alysia Boysen in a Senior Librarian at Siouxland Libraries.

“Introducing the StoryWalk shows Hartford’s dedication to increasing access to literature and library services throughout the county. This StoryWalk provides a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to combine literacy skills and exercise in a beautiful park," said Boysen.

Library officials said a new story will be featured along the trail each month.

Arden Jones in the Mayor of Hartford. He said the city has a long-standing relationship with Siouxland Libraries.

“The City of Hartford is pleased to be the first community in Minnehaha County to offer the StoryWalk to our residents and visitors. We have had a great long-term relationship with Siouxland Libraries and are thrilled to embark on this next step.” said Jones.

The 20 outdoor stations run along an approximately 860-foot trail and are currently open to the public.

Evan Walton is an SDPB reporter based in Sioux Falls. Evan holds a Master’s in English Literature from Southern New Hampshire University and was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 2015, where he served for five years as an infantryman.