The Loxley Public Library opened its permanent StoryWalk in Loxley Municipal Park, 4198 Municipal Park Drive, on Friday, June 30.

The StoryWalk kickoff consisted of a ribbon cutting, a reading of the story "We're Going On a Bear Hunt" written by Michael Rosen, refreshments and two story-related activities. Library Director Patty Hudson, Library Assistant Linda Bankester and Mayor Richard Teal cut the ribbon with the assistance of Baldwin County Library Cooperative Director Elizabeth Webb and Assistant Director Amanda Burgett.

This StoryWalk was made possible through funds received from a Library Services and Technology Act Grant and the City of Loxley. The project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.

At the kickoff, Stonebridge Elementary School Librarian Jacquelyn Wilson led children on the half-mile walk, reading and acting out the story page by page. Two story-related activities were given to the children, one involving sequencing using a map and the other a community-wide scavenger hunt.

You can still participate in these activities throughout the month of July. Stop by the Loxley Public Library, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., for more activity information and pick up your personal StoryWalk hand fan.

StoryWalk consists of 20 display frames along a half-mile walking path. Each display contains pages of a children's picture book or activity ideas related to the story.

Look for a new story at the beginning of each month. The title of the new story and other library activities and events will be posted on the Loxley Public Library's Facebook page. StoryWalk was purchased and installed to encourage literacy and movement.