Summer program at Scandinavia library
By Holly Neumann
The Scandinavia Public Library will offer a story walk, called “Walk with Donnie,” as part of their summer reading program.
“Walk with Donnie” is in honor of Donnie Jensen, who was a Scandinavia Public Library and Friends of Jorgens Park Preserve board member.
“Donnie volunteered many hours in support of both the library and Jorgens Park,” said Library Director Sue Vater Olsen. “It’s my hope that people can enjoy the story walk and remember Donnie’s life.”
Jensen passed away in 2016.
The story walk covers a 0.4-mile loop trail located in Jorgens Park Preserve on the northern shore of Silver Lake in Scandinavia.
It begins east and downhill from the park’s picnic pavilion and as families walk the trail, they can read pages from a children’s picture book that have been placed sequentially along the trail.
“First and foremost, story walks are a great way to combine literacy with outdoor activity,” said Meredith Miller, Assistant Director. “The Jorgens Park story walk in particular, is also an excellent way to experience nature, as the trail meanders through several ecological zones featuring a great variety of plant and animal life.”
A new book is put up about every four weeks.
Public interest in the story walk was beyond what was expected.
“The response was so positive that we brought it back again,” Miller said. “The 2016 story walk ran from June into October and featured five books, in 2017 from mid-April through late October featuring seven books and this year we have eight books planned, six new and two from previous years.”
The first book already went up in late March.
“Just in time for our two biggest snowstorms of the year,” said Miller. “The last book will run into November.”
Children’s picture books of all types have been featured on the story walk. Some are classics, some are newer favorites and even a non-fiction book.
“Walkers will gain an appreciation of the diversity of art and story styles that can be seen in children’s literature today. The story walk definitely isn’t just for kids,” said Miller. “It also provides meaningful family bonding time.”
Jorgens Park Preserve is located off State Highway 49 on the north side of Scandinavia. The Scandinavia Public Library is located at 349 N. Main Street in Scandinavia.
“We encourage Facebook users to friend the Scandinavia Public Library and the Friends of Jorgens Park Preserve to remain current with events in both locations,” Miller said. “More information about upcoming programs at the library can also be seen at www.scandinavialibrary.org.