Stepping inside for StoryWalk at Chilliwack Library

Chilliwack’s newest StoryWalk is being held inside for a change.

It’s a collaborative project between the Chilliwack Library and Chilliwack Learning Society in recognition of Family Literacy Month (January) and Family Literacy Day (Jan. 27).

StoryWalk is a literacy adventure where people read a children’s story spread out page-by-page over a walking distance.

Chilliwack has been home to several StoryWalks in the past, including a permanent one installed last year, but none has been indoors. Typically they are outside, but since the Chilliwack Library has fencing around the building, it was not conducive to install it in the neighbouring park.

READ MORE: Permanent StoryWalk installed in Yarrow using local trees, funding and craftsmanship

The book chosen for the StoryWalk inside the Chilliwack Library complements the theme of this year’s literacy month celebration.

“The theme is learning in the great outdoors, so this book really fits in with that,” said Corinne Martens with the Chilliwack branch of the Fraser Valley Regional Library.

The book is called Outside In. It’s a children’s picture book written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Cindy Derby.

“This book shows how, even when we’re inside, outside is still connected to us in so many different ways and it beckons us back out,” she said. “It’s a beautifully illustrated book. It’s quite deep and contemplative in nature so it’s good for all ages.”

Folks can read Outside In as they stroll through the rows of books in the children’s section of the Chilliwack Library.

They spread the pages out in hopes that it would bring folks through sections of the library that they might not otherwise go to, she added.

At the end, people can enter a draw for one of four prizes.

The book was provided by Annette Williams with Chilliwack Learning Society, the library provided the space for StoryWalk and both donated the prizes.

“It’s a true collaborative effort,” Martens said.

StoryWalk is at the Chilliwack Library and runs until Monday, Jan. 31.

StoryWalk was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpellier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

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