SAFFORD — Keeping the kids entertained during family outings just got a bit easier.
The Safford City-Graham County Library and Safford Parks installed a permanent StoryWalk along the Safford Cemetery loop of the multi-use path. And the library will conduct Storytime in the Park throughout April.
“This is terrific,” Wadene Kerby said about the StoryWalk to Gila Valley Central. “I didn’t even know it was here until we started our walk.”
Kerby had five children with her on her walk Friday, between the ages of 1 and 11, with the children racing each other to be the first to the next story pages.
The book starts near the Mount Graham High School parking lot and follows the loop heading north, with 20 reading stations. The total area walked to read the book is about 1.5 miles. There are water fountains and benches located along the story path.
The first installment of the Safford StoryWalk features “Llama Llama Loves to Read,” by authors Anna Dewdney and Reed Duncan, and illustrator JT Morrow. This story celebrates the joy that comes with learning to read. A new book will be added each month.
Support for the Safford StoryWalk is provided by a grant from First Things First, Arizona’s early childhood agency, which funds early learning, family support and children’s preventive health services to help children be successful once they enter kindergarten.
Storytime in the Park will take place at Glenn Meadows Park in Safford on Tuesday, April 6, 13 and 20; and Thatcher Park on Thursday, April 8, 15 and 22. Storytime starts at 11 a.m. each day.
For information about all library services go to www.saffordlibrary.org, www.facebook.com/saffordlibrary or Instagram @saffordlibrary.
