StoryWalk© Programs Are Taking Off Across Tennessee
StoryWalk® programs (also known as Storybook Trails) are popping up all over Tennessee, and it’s easy to see why. These outdoor literacy trails combine reading, walking, and family fun, helping kids build early literacy skills while staying active and connected to nature.
With support from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation and growing access to Tennessee StoryWalk grants, libraries, parks, schools, and Parks & Recreation departments across the state are embracing this simple but powerful idea.
Learn more about the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, here!
What Is a StoryWalk©?
A StoryWalk© is an outdoor trail where pages from a children’s book are displayed on signs along a walking path. Families read the story page by page as they walk, turning a stroll through the park into an interactive reading experience.
Signs are installed at child-friendly height
Stories often change seasonally
Designed for parks, libraries, schools, and nature centers
StoryWalk© is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT.
StoryWalk Locations Across Tennessee
Tennessee communities are finding creative ways to bring StoryWalk programs into public spaces. Current and recent StoryWalk installations can be found at:
Tennessee State Parks have also joined the movement, integrating Storybook Trails into their outdoor education efforts. Locations include:
Panther Creek State Park
Seven Islands State Birding Park
These outdoor literacy programs help kids and caregivers slow down, read together, and enjoy Tennessee’s parks in a whole new way.
StoryWalk© Grants in Tennessee: Funding Is Available
One of the biggest reasons StoryWalk© programs are growing so quickly is grant funding. Tennessee offers several grant opportunities that libraries and Parks & Recreation departments can use to support StoryWalk© signage, installation, and programming.
Funding may be available through:
Outdoor recreation grants
Community development grants
Literacy and family engagement initiatives
If you’re planning a StoryWalk project, this is a great place to start:
Tennessee Outdoor Recreation & Community Grants: https://www.tn.gov/environment/outdoorrec/grants.html#grants-offered
The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation also provides StoryWalk guidance and resources to help communities launch successful programs. If you are interested in setting up your Tennessee StoryWalk© trail, you can fill out this interest form!
Building your Own StoryWalk© Program in Tennessee
The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation was kind enough to make a guide showing you the steps to take to make your own community StoryWalk© Book Trail. It has information on selecting the grant, the location of your book trail, what books to pink, how to budget and more! View or download the guide here!
Affordable StoryWalk Signs & Book Sets from Read and Walk
At Lark Signs, we specialize in making StoryWalks© easy, long-lasting, quick and ready to use. We offer:
High-quality StoryWalk signs built for outdoor use
Ready-to-install StoryWalk book sets (the least expensive StoryWalk book sets on the market, perfect for grant-funded projects)
Our products are designed for Libraries, Parks & Recreation departments, Schools, Nature centers, and Community organizations! Because our StoryWalk© systems are budget-friendly, Tennessee communities can stretch grant dollars further while still creating an engaging, long-lasting experience. Learn more about our StoryWalk© signs and book sets: https://readandwalk.com
Why StoryWalk Programs Matter
StoryWalk© Trails support so much more than reading. They help communities:
Encourage early literacy
Promote healthy outdoor activity
Create family-friendly park features
Bring books into non-traditional spaces
Make reading fun and accessible for all ages
With Tennessee’s strong support for literacy, available grant funding, and affordable StoryWalk solutions, it’s a great time for libraries and Parks & Recreation departments to add a StoryWalk or Storybook Trail to their community.
If you’re exploring a StoryWalk program in Tennessee, Read and Walk is here to help—from signs to books to ideas that bring stories to life, one step at a time.