From mid-July through September 1, you and your family can walk around the Iola Square and read the children’s classic “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina one store window at a time!
Start at the Library to start the story and view a map to guide your reading journey. Next, make your way to Community National Bank for the next part of the story.
When you complete the story, complete a short online survey to qualify for a prize.
The Friends of Iola Public Library, in partnership with businesses around the Square, invite families to walk and read successive pages of the children’s book “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina for the latest StoryWalk(r) on the Square. This story replaces “Beetle Bob” by Denise Fleming. The new story was installed in mid-July, for display through August 31. To participate, start at the Library, then head to the Community National Bank to start reading, travel around the square along the east, north, west, and south sides to end at the Iola Pharmacy. There will be a QR code in the pharmacy window linked to a short survey about the experience. Any family that participates and completes the survey can use this proof of participation to receive a small gift from the Friends of the Library.
Mary Ann Regehr, Friends President, and Stephanie Larson, Friends Secretary, organized the walk and accompanying search and find with support from library staff Melissa and Lesa.
The Library received this book and several other StoryWalk(r) stories as a gift from Beth Toland and the Allen Community College. Started in April 2024, the Friends have displayed “When Spring Comes” by Kevin Henkes, followed by Lauren Child’s story about a picky eater, “I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato” in June 2024. In October 2024, the book was “Leaves,” by David Ezra Stein. “Leaves” is a picture book about a curious young bear experiencing his first autumn, observing how the leaves change. It’s designed to teach very young children about nature and the environment.
Anyone may join the Friends, an organization dedicated to supporting the Iola Public Library with fundraising, volunteer support, and advocacy.
StoryWalk(r) promotes early literacy, physical activity, and family time together outside. It’s a fun and educational family activity that you can bring to your community!
StoryWalk was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, in collaboration with former staff member Rachel Senechal, and is a registered service mark of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalks now exist across the US and worldwide in 13 countries including Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Russia, Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea!