The Powell Library plans to soon install a StoryWalk at Homesteader Park, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to do some reading while stretching their legs.

The installation would consist of 18 sign posts featuring a rotating selection of children’s picture books. Reading the stories involves walking from post-to-post, where different pages of the story are displayed.

StoryWalks are “an outdoor physical activity that also encourages families to read together,” Powell Library Branch Manager Roseanne Spiering explained to the Powell City Council last week.

One was installed outside the Park County Library in Cody in 2021, and it’s proven “super popular,” Spiering said. Now, with the financial support of the Park County Library Foundation, the intent is to bring that experience to Powell.

Spiering has honed in on the sidewalk that circles behind the state rest area, calling it “a perfect spot.”

It’s far enough away from the playground that the installation won’t impact any further development there, she said, but still within sight and easy walking distance. Plus, Spiering said the StoryWalk will be readily accessible to those stopping at the rest area.

Powell City Council members endorsed the idea at the Sept. 5 meeting.

“I think the concept’s great,” said Councilman Zane Logan. “I always say one thing about Homesteader Park: There’s always something for everybody out there.” 

He noted that includes everything from a racetrack for remote control cars to the Powell Aquatic Center to baseball and softball fields. He called the StoryWalk “a great amenity” to add.

Spiering said the library is “really excited” about the project, calling it a good way to make the library more visible in the community. Stories will be switched out roughly once a month, she said, with the Powell StoryWalk receiving tales after they’ve been displayed in Cody.

To prep the books, Spiering said they must be dissected and then laminated together so they aren’t damaged by the elements.

“It sounds kind of brutal, but it works really well,” she said, “and the kids love it.”

The StoryWalk will cost over $5,000, she said, but it’s being fully covered by the library foundation. The city’s only cost would be giving staff time to help install it, and Spiering said they’re also seeking volunteers.

The council unanimously voted to allow the library to move forward — contingent on the Wyoming Department of Transportation (which operates the rest area) signing off on the plan and with the understanding that the city could require the posts to be removed in the future. If an issue pops up with that location, Spiering said the StoryWalk could move to another spot in the park.