Story Trail Opening At Banneker Historical Park

From the Baltimore County Public Library: Baltimore County Public Library, in partnership with Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, will debut a story trail in the park’s nature play area on April 21 at 11 a.m. The story trail, which is a series of picture book pages posted along a walking path, was developed to promote literacy, exercise and family fun for Baltimore County residents and visitors.

This is the library’s second story trail in Baltimore County; Oregon Ridge Nature Center debuted a story trail behind its outdoor children’s area in 2017. Baltimore County Public Library’s Catonsville Branch staff, who initiated the collaboration, will maintain the posts and change the story seasonally to keep bringing families back. The project was funded by Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library and Benjamin Banneker Foundation; the book stands were installed by Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.

“Our staff loves branching out from what people consider traditional library services,” said Melissa Gotsch, Catonsville Branch manager, “with efforts like our community garden and campfire stories at Patapsco State Park.” She added, “We chose books that highlight outdoor activities while instilling a love of reading among kids and caregivers.”

The first book featured on the story trail will be Explorers of the Wild by author/illustrator Cale Atkinson. The brightly colored book describes Bear and Boy, two explorers who love to explore the outdoors. When they meet in the woods, they’re both scared, but “no mountain is too big to conquer if you have a friend to climb it by your side.”

“We have the space and it fits our mission, said Winny Tan, senior naturalist/director of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum. “Benjamin Banneker was an avid learner and voracious reader, so providing this recreational and learning opportunity for the community complements the visitor experience.”

“Reading is so important to a child’s success,” continued Tan, “and now we can incorporate it with fresh air, nature, exploration, exercise and good impacts on health.”

Baltimore County Public Library has been an anchor in the community since 1948 and continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Baltimore County residents. Today, its 19 branches are safe zones, civic centers, technology hubs and spaces for ideas and learning. Baltimore County Public Library has offerings for the entire family to explore, learn, create and connect. For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info and follow Baltimore County Public Library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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