Leaders at the Oceanside Library are making books available beyond its walls, expressing hope that the newest literacy initiative will inspire families to read, explore and spend more time together outdoors.
After nearly nine months of planning and collaboration, library officials unveiled a permanent StoryWalk installation in Oceanside Park at 3800 Mahlon Brower Ave., marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 28.
Located near the playground, the self-guided experience allows families to read a children’s book one page at a time while walking along a designated path.
The project was spearheaded by Sarah D’Amico, the library’s children’s outreach coordinator and youth services librarian, and made possible through partnerships with the Friends of the Oceanside Library and the Town of Hempstead Parks Department.
“A StoryWalk brings books beyond the page,” Chris Marra, the library’s director, said. “It combines reading, family engagement, lifelong learning and adventure, one step at a time.”
The idea was first introduced to D’Amico by two coworkers last September. From there, what staff jokingly referred to as “the baby” became a months-long project that required research, fundraising and coordination with community partners.
“I kind of got a head start on the project,” D’Amico said. “I started communicating with our friends of the library, who graciously agreed to fund the project for us. We’re very grateful for that.”
Before moving forward, D’Amico contacted libraries across the country that had already installed a StoryWalk to learn what types of displays held up best outdoors and what recommendations they had for long-term maintenance.
After receiving final approval in March, administrators at the Oceanside Library ordered the materials, and the Town of Hempstead Parks Department installed the weatherproof metal display frames in June.
The permanent installation features a series of large metal frames placed about six feet apart along a walking route that begins near the playground. Each frame displays a single page from a children’s book, encouraging visitors to continue walking as they read the story panel by panel.
Town officials helped determine the layout, so the story naturally guides families through the park before ending near the playground entrance.
“They decided the best layout would leave families right at the entrance to the playground,” D’Amico said. “Parents can then follow the story, and it leads them right there.”
“Maisy Goes to the Library” by Lucy Cousins was selected as the debut story for the StoryWalk — chosen for its colorful illustrations, familiar character and page count that fit the installation’s display frames.
“I thought it was a really bright book,” D’Amico said. “It’s very simple, it’s a recognizable character to draw people in, and it had the perfect amount of pages. It was a great book to choose for the first StoryWalk.”
The StoryWalk is designed to change throughout the year, with D’Amico planning to rotate books seasonally. The next story is expected to be installed in September.
“I’m hoping to find a really cute story that ties into the fall season,” she said.
Marra said the installation reflects the library’s goal of extending its services beyond its physical building and meeting families where they already gather.
“It brings the library outside,” she said. “It shows the community we’re more than just a building. Families who maybe haven’t visited the library yet can see us at the park and think, ‘Let me go check it out.’”
Although the ribbon-cutting took place on a hot summer day, families enthusiastically explored the StoryWalk, reading each panel together as they strolled through the park.
One memorable guest was the turtle Booker, the library’s children’s room mascot — who made an appearance during the celebration and even met a real turtle in the park.
“It was very cute,” D’Amico said.
For library staff, the project represents more than a creative way to read a book, encouraging literacy while promoting exercise, outdoor recreation and family interaction.
Reading outdoors creates a different experience than sitting inside with a book, Marra said, allowing children to discover each page while moving throughout the park.
“It’s literally one step at a time,” she said. “You get to see what happens next.”
D’Amico expressed belief that the growing popularity of a StoryWalk reflects families’ renewed interest in spending time together outdoors.
“I’ve noticed over the last five or six years that there’s been a huge increase in outdoor activity,” she said. “Parents are looking for ways to get out of the house and for kids to have a good time, and I think StoryWalks really fit into that.”
The installation also serves as a gateway to many of the library’s other family programs. Staff members encourage visitors who enjoy the StoryWalk to participate in the library’s annual summer reading program, the “1,000 Books Before Kindergarten” challenge, for young children, and the “500 Books Before Middle School” program for older readers.
“We are here for the community,” Marra said. “Whether it’s on or off-site, we hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the StoryWalk and then visit the library, too.”
