Gillham Park and Budd Park each have 18-panel Book Walks along their trails like this one by author Charlie Mylie.
Tales on the Trail was a pandemic-era partnership between the Library, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, and the Kansas City Health Department, which allowed walkers to read children’s books on panels along the trails. The program’s popularity outlasted the short-term installations, so the Library identified funding to continue it in a more permanent format.
On May 9, the first of two new Book Walks was unveiled at Gillham Park, 3915 Gillham Road. Attendees enjoyed ice cream with Kansas City author/illustrator Charlie Mylie and nature journaling with Missouri State Parks.
We Might See by Mylie is presented in 18 panels beginning at the northeast side of the playground. In addition to the story and illustrations, each page features prompts to help young readers and their companions discuss the content.
Early Learning Librarian Kate Tammeus says, “We hope this will be a great opportunity for families to engage with early literacy practices.”
The second Book Walk will be unveiled at Budd Park (at St. John and Hardesty) later in the spring. There, walkers will be able to engage with Ina Cumpiano’s El Vecindario de Quinito (Quinito’s Neighborhood) in both Spanish and English.
Signs at each park will also include information about the authors/illustrators, library-card signup, Library resources like Dial-A-Story, and other upcoming events at area parks.
