TRL Story Trails combine love of reading and nature

Thurston County residents looking for a way to combine their love of nature and love of reading can enjoy Olympia Timberland Library’s first Story Trail of the year, an interactive event going on through the end of January.

As part of a collaboration with Olympia Parks, Olympia Timberland Library staff have deconstructed picture books and put them on signs placed along the trails. People of all ages can enjoy a nature walk and a delightful book at the same time, said Timberland Regional Library Deputy Director Kendra Jones.

“StoryTrails are a fantastic way for people to experience the natural beauty of Washington while enjoying fun reading activities that engage both children and adults,” Jones said. “This is a great activity for families looking to spend some time together outdoors.”

Olympia Timberland Library has Story Trails at two locations through Jan. 31, 2022:

• LBA Park and Woods at 3333 Morse-Merryman Road Southeast or 3500 Amhurst Street Southeast, and
• Garfield Nature Trail Park at 620 Rogers Street Northwest.

Those wanting to take part in the event at LBA Park and Woods should make their way to the playground at to find out Little Brown Bird’s “new words” with Antoinette Portis' book "Froodle.”

Others can travel to Garfield Nature Trail for a story about nature-inspired art with "My Forest Is Green" by Darren Lebeuf and Ashley Barron.

Additional Story Trail events will take place throughout the year at various locations in Olympia and other communities in the Timberland Regional Library District (TRL), which includes Thurston, Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.

“Park locations and book titles will change regularly, so you can follow Story Trails all through your public parks,” Jones said.

Olympia’s Story Trail event is made possible by the Olympia Friends of the Library. To keep track of upcoming Story Trails or other TRL events, visit the event calendar at TRL.org.