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LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library, in partnership with Lewiston Public Schools, recently placed 20 permanent Storywalk panels on the McMahon Nature Trail behind McMahon Elementary School.
A Storywalk is a series of sign posts that feature pages of a picture book, allowing readers to interact with the story as they walk. Storywalks encourage family literacy as well as physical activity. A new book is featured each month.
The project was made possible through a $121,846 CARES Act grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support library programming and community outreach during the pandemic. Children’s Librarian Sara Turner said the grant allowed the library to partner with the schools “in a way we have never done before.”
“We were able to extend our reach in the community by mailing library information and services to every student in the public school system,” Turner said. “The Storywalk is a fun educational activity that combines the pleasure of reading fantastic children’s books with the joy of walking together outside.” Lewiston Public Schools Elementary Librarian MaryAnn Lopes added, “During our conversations about how to use the grant, Sara told me to dream big and I did. Thanks to the NEH Grant that dream came true to serve our schools and community.”
The McMahon Nature Trail, at 151 North Temple St., is accessible to the public off North Temple Street and from behind the school when it is closed.
The NEH, an independent federal agency, is one of the largest funders of humanities programs in the United States. It promotes excellence in the humanities and conveys the lessons of history, awarding grants for top-rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers. In 2020, the NEH invited applications from organizations seeking support for projects affected by the coronavirus. The Lewiston Public Library was among the 14% of applicants to be awarded grants.
PHOTO: Young readers enjoy the McMahon Nature Trail Storywalk in Lewiston. (Submitted photo)
