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(Columbus) – The excitement and adventure of reading will jump from the pages and into real life through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Storytime in the Parks. This series of events will be hosted in state parks all around Ohio through a partnership with the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, the State Library of Ohio, and local libraries.
Storytime in the Parks events pair librarians who read stories to participants with naturalists who carry out the theme of the story with hands-on, interactive programming. This year’s themes include fossils, birds of prey, amphibians, hiking, reptiles, animal track identification, pond and creek exploration, and tree identification.
“Our state parks are not only a gateway to the great outdoors but also the perfect backdrop to make learning fun,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We are delighted to partner with librarians for Storytime in the Parks to carryout Governor Mike DeWine’s mission to increase literacy in Ohio.”
Kids gather for Storytime in the Parks at Delaware State Park.
Events will be taking place across the state from now through mid-September. A schedule of Storytime in the Parks events can be found here.
Storytime in the Parks has partnered with 11 state parks and 9 different library systems. The goal is to grow the program next year and expand access to more communities across the state.
The State Library of Ohio played a major role in bringing the new initiative to reality. This enthusiastic partnership, between the naturalists working in the parks and the librarians making connections through events in their communities, is intended to expand that outreach and raise awareness of Ohio’s natural beauty and resources.
“Storytime in the Parks is a great partnership between the State Library, libraries, and parks across the state. The chance for families to be out in nature and participate in reading activities together combines two great pleasures proven to boost well-being,” State Librarian of Ohio Wendy Knapp said. “The State Library is thrilled to see so many Storytime in the Parks programs being offered this year by our partners at ODNR and the local libraries and parks.”
Children go creeking in Delaware State Park for Storytime in the Parks.
ODNR recognizes that reading can foster a love of learning and boost curiosity. This program was formed with the intent of creating a free and memorable experience for children and families while forming a closer connection between people and public resources.
Learn more about Storytime in the Parks here.
Storytime in the Parks is part of a collection of reading initiatives around the state. Gov. DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine pioneered the Storybook Trails that are popping up across Ohio. These are trails lined with panels that display pages from a book, so people can hike and read at the same time. Most of the books featured are from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which First Lady DeWine continues to promote across the state.
“We want every Ohio child under the age of 5 to receive a free book in the mail once a month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio,” First Lady Fran DeWine said. “I love that ODNR is combining books with nature—through Storybook Trails and Storytime in the Parks—to encourage early childhood literacy!”
Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio here.
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