The Humboldt Co-op provided a welcome boost for the Reid-Thompson Library and its Story Book Trail planned for Water Ridge Park. Head Librarian Kate Lucyshyn was on hand at the park on April 30 to receive a donation of $1000 from Brent Walker, general manager of the Humboldt Co-op. 

The Story Book Trail is an outdoor reading adventure for children and families. Eight stations will be placed along the trail in the park, and a deconstructed story book will appear at signs along the path in a sequence, allowing the reader to unfold the story during a walk.

In addition to experiencing the delight of discovering the story on the way, children will be able to engage in activities designed to complement the book. For example, if the story has a bird character, they may be asked to respond to the prompt, “can you see a bird?”

Librarian Kate Lucyshyn says the plan is to change the books out four or so times a year to provide refreshed content and stories to match the seasons. 

“The project is going on all over the world,” explains Lucyshyn, “Especially with COVID right now because it does give them a venue. We are hoping we get grandchildren walking with their grandparents walking around. It’s a very good park for it.”

The permanent installation follows up the temporary one placed in the park by Community and Leisure Services last year. Coincidentally, the Library had been planning the permanent display for this summer, but the popularity of last season’s effort certainly provided proof of concept. 

Brent Walker was pleased to make the donation on behalf of the Co-op. 

“This project the library is doing is just an awesome addition to the park. Having the Story Book Trail is going to be amazing, and it gives another option for kids to do.”

Cost of the project is an estimated $5,000 dollars. Funding was also made available through grants from Sask Lotteries and Sask Parks and Recreation. The hope is to have the installation in by June 1 if possible to be ready for any school classes looking for a close to home, end of school year, physically distanced excursion.