TRL brings stories to life on local trails

Area residents looking for a unique outdoor experience this summer should try Timberland Regional Library StoryTrails, interactive outdoor events that are featured as part of the Summer Library Program.

Local Timberland Regional Library (TRL) locations have partnered with cities and their parks departments to offer StoryTrails on park trails in Thurston County and throughout the library district this summer. As part of the TRL’s Summer Library Program, library staff have deconstructed picture books and put them on signs placed along the trails.

Betsy Storey, public services specialist at the Olympia Timberland Library, organizes the StoryTrails for the Olympia location. Storey said StoryTrails can be a fun and unique experience for families.

“It is a bit magical to read or be read a book while running and jumping along a tree-lined path and feeling the breeze on your face,” Storey said. "StoryTrails encourage families and children to interact playfully and inquisitively with books and storytelling. A program like this helps create lifelong readers."

StoryTrails in Thurston County can be found in the following locations:

• Lacey Library StoryTrail: Experience an interactive adventure at the Regional Athletic Complex at 8345 Steilacoom Road Southeast through Aug. 31 featuring the book “Stroller Coaster” by Matt Ringler and drawn by Raúl the Third. The StoryTrail is found near the playground and is sponsored by the Friends of the Lacey Library.
• Olympia Library StoryTrails: Olympia Timberland Library has two StoryTrails available:
  • “Book Fiesta” is a bilingual Spanish-English picture book by Pat Mora and illustrated by Rafael López available at Woodruff Park at 1500 Harrison Avenue Northwest through the end of July.
  • “Call Me Tree” by Maya Christina Gonzalez will be at Friendly Grove Park at 2316 Friendly Grove Road NE through the end of June.
• Tenino Library StoryTrail: Tenino StoryTrails can be experienced at Tenino City Park at Park Ave East through the end of September.

Park locations and book titles will change regularly. Area residents can follow StoryTrails through their public parks or by searching “StoryTrail” on the TRL events page.

"Visiting a TRL StoryTrail is a great summer activity,” said Lacey Timberland Library Manager Holly Paxson. “Individuals and families alike can enjoy this opportunity to combine a love of reading and the outdoors, support reading skills for younger readers and pre-readers, and also explore one of Lacey's exceptional Parks."

Additional StoryTrail events will take place throughout the summer at various locations in Thurston County and other communities in the TRL District, including Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

TRL’s Summer Library Program continues through Aug. 31. Other SLP activities include Zoom storytimes, take-and-make activity bags, Library of Things backpacking kits, youth and senior Connect boxes, and grab bags.

SLP participants receive a free book for signing up and a second free book for completing an activity log. Visit TRL.org to learn more.