The Stratford Library Reference Department has announced the creation of a “Forest to Shore StoryWalk Tour”. A StoryWalk is a book, with pages separated and laminated on wood stakes that are placed along a path or trail for people to walk and enjoy a story. The program is funded by a grant from the Connecticut State Library & Library Services and Technology Act. Sarah Mellinger and Lisa Wargo of the SLA Reference Department applied for and implemented the grant into action.

The Tour features five StoryWalks each lasting about a week at various locations around Stratford. During the week of each StoryWalk there will be a "Main Event" program at the site. Topics will be relevant to the site. People can pick up a Passport and Guide at the Stratford Library that lists all the sites, dates and Main Events. When people visit each StoryWalk, they can punch their passport with the hole puncher provided. Anyone who gets all five punches can return the Passport & Guide to the Library for a prize. Even though the stories featured at each walk are children's books, anyone can participate. The Main Events are free and for all ages but do require registration on the Library website.

The schedule:

StoryWalk 1: June 12-18 - Jared's Dog Park at Roosevelt Forest, 700 Peters Ln, Stratford, CT 06614
Main Event: Safety PAWtrol with the CT Humane Society on Tuesday, June 13 at 4pm at Jared's Dog Park
REGISTER HERE

StoryWalk 2: June 26-July 4 - Clover Field at Janosko Park, 409 Canaan Road, Stratford, CT 06614
Main Event: Meet the pilots from Avia Flight Academy on Tuesday, June 27 at 4pm at Clover Field.
REGISTER HERE

StoryWalk 3: July 10-16 - Sterling House, 2283 Main St, Stratford, CT 06615
Main Event: Colonial crafts and Stratford history with the Stratford Historical Society on Wednesday, July 12 at 6pm in the Library Courtyard.
REGISTER HERE

StoryWalk 4: July 24-30 - Audubon Connecticut at Stratford Point, 1207 Prospect Dr, Stratford, CT 06615
Main Event: Learn about local birds and their environment with the CT Audubon Society on Saturday, July 29 at 1pm at Stratford Point.
REGISTER HERE

StoryWalk 5: August 7-13 - Stratford Veterans Museum at Boothe Park, 5952 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614.
Main Event: Enjoy a celebration of Stratford Veterans on Saturday, August 12 at 1pm at Boothe Park, 5800 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614
REGISTER HERE

For further information about the StoryWalks and registration for the free Main Events, visit: http://stratfordlibrary.org/forest-to-shore-storywalk-tour/.