James V. Brown Library receives grant for bilingual family book walk
Williamsport, Pa. — A local library has received a grant for a program that seeks to have families walk and read together in Williamsport and Trout Run.
The James V. Brown Library has received funding for a bilingual book walk in Young's Woods Park. Aimed at promoting family reading, community engagement, and outdoor recreation, the book walk leads families along a path lined with illustrated children's book pages.
The library plans to rotate the books seasonally to give families a reason to revisit the path regularly. Book walks can take the form of simple laminated pages attached to sign posts or more closely resemble interpretive signage in parks, trails, and historical sites.
The $12,445 in grant funding came from the Williamsport-Lycoming Competitive Grant Cycle through the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.
The Young's Woods Park walk will be Williamsport's first permanent bilingual book walk. Additionally, the Lycoming County Library System has secured a grant for another book walk in Trout Run.
The City of Williamsport is supporting the project by making Young's Woods Park more accessible and inclusive. The park enhancement effort is part of an existing partnership with the Lycoming County Special Olympics and the AllOne Foundation.
Valerie Fessler, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Williamsport, shared her enthusiasm: "This is a fantastic partnership. This area is home to many families who may not yet be connected to our library's incredible services. The bilingual book walk will provide a wonderful opportunity for engagement in this low- to moderate-income neighborhood."
In addition to its family bonding and outdoor recreation benefits, the book walk will give families a free opportunity for reading and learning outside of the library's business hours, through all seasons, and at no cost.
A spring 2025 ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned. Further details will be announced once the book walk is installed.
"This bilingual book walk is more than just a celebration of language; it's a bridge that connects our diverse community. Each page invites exploration, ignites imagination, and fosters understanding, proving that stories truly unite us all," said Amy C. Resh, CEO & Director of the James V. Brown Library. "This initiative not only promotes literacy but also strengthens our community by celebrating our rich cultural diversity. Every step taken here is a step toward connection and understanding."
