Thriving JoCo Library program offers unique way for kids to read — outdoors
As a regional librarian for the Johnson County Library, it’s Chris Koppenhaver’s job to be around books inside.
As a dad of two boys, it’s been Koppenhaver’s joy to be around books outside.
Koppenhaver and his sons have been among the countless patrons of the library system’s Walk and Read — a program that takes storytelling outside a library building.
Walk and Read posts pages from children’s books on a series of real estate signs placed along walkways. This fall, Walk and Reads will be offered in seven parks and the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. You can find them at:
- Thompson Park, 8045 Sante Fe Drive, Overland Park (Aug. 30-Sept. 7)
- Sar-Ko-Par Park, 8801 Greenway Lane, Lenexa (Sept. 6-14)
- Porter Park, 4601 Tomahawk Road, Prairie Village (Sept. 13-21)
- Miller Memorial Park, 8205 Ferry Road, De Soto (Sept. 20-28)
- West Flanders Park, 11044 W. 55th St., Shawnee (Sept. 27–Oct. 5)
- Waterworks Park, 5810 W. 53rd St., Mission (Oct. 4-12)
- Strang Park, West 85th and Farley streets, Overland Park (posted year round)
The storyboards tell one story in one direction of the walkway, and another story on the other side of the boards in the opposite direction. The storyboards stay up for about 10 days, giving each park a Walk and Read with two weekends.
The signs are then taken back to Johnson County Central Library so those stories can be taken out and two different sets of storyboards are loaded in. The set of signs are then taken to a new park to be posted. The rotation goes through the sites May through September.
“I think it expands the idea of what a story can be and what a book can do,” Koppenhaver said.
The program, Koppenhaver said, shows kids that reading doesn’t always have to be about sitting still and quiet inside. Walk and Read gives flexibility and opens up to children how they can enjoy books and stories, he said.
“It helps kids engage in the structure of stories, to think about what is happening,” Koppenhaver said.
The start of Walk and Read
Walk and Read was developed by library program specialist Carrie Worth.
In 2015, when Worthwas a part-time youth specialist at the Gardner branch library, she contacted parks and recreation to host her first Walk and Read at nearby Celebration Park.
“The kids really love reading the storyboards and running to the next board,” Worth said. “Definitely immediate engagement.”
Worth left the Johnson County Library to return to teaching, but then came back in 2019 as a youth librarian at the Monticello branch. She reached out and created a partnership with the Shawnee Parks & Recreation for a Walk and Read.
“When Covid hit is when the Walk and Read became more of a system-wide initiative,” Worth said. “I contacted cities throughout Johnson County and offered our services.”
A set of metal signs were purchased and Walk and Reads were posted.
“This gave families an outdoor activity that allowed for social distancing,” Worth said. “When everyone returned to branches and summer reading came back full force, we limited to posting in May through September.
“We have managed to extend the program by supporting Juneteenth and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day,” Worth said. “It’s so easy to accommodate special days and occasions. We line up with the Spinach fest in Lenexa and Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center. “
However, at Strang Park, the storyboards are the first set of permanent signs with storyboards changing out monthly.
“Most Walk and Reads are on a circular path so they can read one story and return to their starting point and save the second story for the next day if they like,” Worth said.