Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
AKRON - After more than a year of planning and fundraising, the Akron Carnegie Public Library unveiled its permanent StoryWalk at Pike Memorial Park on Monday with a celebratory ribbon-cutting and a crowd of supporters gathered under warm, breezy skies.
“This project has really been six years in the making,” said Julie Canada, the library’s administrative assistant and program director, during her remarks to the crowd. “It all started with a few temporary signs and a little book called ‘The Ninjabread Man’ during the summer of 2020. We had no idea that one simple idea (born out of pandemic necessity) would grow into something this meaningful.”
The new installation features 25 metal-framed, ADA-accessible display boards set along a walking path at Pike Park.
Each board showcases a section of a picture book, allowing families to read a full story together outdoors, rotating monthly.
“We’re so excited to have a permanent StoryWalk that can be accessed all year long,” said Library Director Janet Hawley. “In the past, our staff would install and remove temporary boards every week for the Summer Reading Program. This new setup is weatherproof, permanent and allows us to focus on what matters, our readers.”
Canada became emotional as she recalled the community’s reaction to those early StoryWalk efforts.
“We got so many compliments that first year. Parents, grandparents, teachers, they all told us how special it was,” she said. “From ‘The Brave Little Crab’ to ‘The Crossing’ about Sacagawea, these stories became memories. And now, we get to make those memories all year long.”
The StoryWalk was funded in large part by a $5,000 grant from the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, with additional support from the library’s rainy day and operating funds.
Installation was handled by the town of Akron Street Department and volunteers.
“Without the support of the Fulton County Community Foundation and the town, this wouldn’t have been possible,” said Hawley. “It’s a real testament to what small communities can do when we work together.”
The first book installed is “Touch the Sky” by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic.
Before the ribbon-cutting, library staff handed out reading bracelets and invited children to line up for the first official stroll down the StoryWalk path.
“This is about investing in our children’s literacy adventure,” Canada said. “And it’s about modeling a healthy lifestyle — reading, walking, enjoying nature and doing it together as a family.”
The StoryWalk is now open daily during park hours.
Families are encouraged to visit often, as a new book will be installed every 30 days.
