Marshalltown’s Storybook Walk Returns, Celebrating Reading and Community Engagement
The downtown area of Marshalltown is set to welcome back an engaging community event, the fifth annual Storybook Walk, which coincides with the celebration of Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day). The event will kick off on Friday and continue through May 4, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for literary engagement within the community. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Marshalltown Public Library (MPL) and the Marshalltown Central Business District (MCBD).
The Storybook Walk was conceptualized in 2020, during a challenging period for community gatherings. Alushia Fitzgerald, co-chair of the MCBD Promotions Committee, approached Youth Librarian Joa LaVille with the idea of a literary-inspired event designed to offer families a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity. “We chose to call it the Día Storybook Walk because it provided an alternative to our traditional large-scale event, which was paused due to health concerns related to large gatherings,” LaVille explained. The Storybook Walk celebrates the significance of reading and literature in children’s lives, aligning perfectly with the ethos of Dia de los Niños/Día de los Libros.
This year, the event has expanded its reach, with participation increasing to 50 local businesses, up from 35 in the previous year. Most of the businesses are located on Main Street, but the event will also incorporate establishments along State and Boone Streets. Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of showcasing the breadth of offerings in downtown Marshalltown, stating, “Many people forget the variety of businesses that exist downtown, and it’s wonderful to see so many of them engaged in this event.”
As participants stroll through downtown, each business will display a book in a window or doorway, allowing families to jot down the initial words of each title without needing to enter. The selected books are thoughtfully chosen to align with the character of each participating business.
Families are encouraged to complete the walk at their own pace, allowing for flexibility in their exploration of downtown. In addition to enjoying the walk, participants who collect information on 30 or more books will be entered into a grand prize drawing, with an additional entry for those who gather all 50. All children who participate will also receive a complimentary book, further promoting reading and engagement with local businesses.
LaVille stated, “This event provides a unique opportunity for families to explore downtown Marshalltown while prioritizing reading and literacy. It allows parents and children to bond over a shared activity while enjoying the beauty of our community.”
The Storybook Walk has not only fostered a love of reading but has also encouraged local residents to discover businesses they might not have explored otherwise. Fitzgerald noted that the event has become a cherished tradition in Marshalltown, suggesting that its increasing popularity stems from a desire for community engagement, particularly in accessible outdoor formats.
For those interested in participating, the necessary resources, including the hunt sheet, can be obtained at the MPL Youth Section or via the MCBD website at marshalltownmainstreet.org.
The Storybook Walk stands as a testament to the power of literature in fostering community ties while celebrating the simple joy of reading.
For further inquiries or information about the event, please contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or via email at lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.
