Book it: Storybook Trail now open

HURON TWP. — Those at the Huron Public Library thanked everyone for attending a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony to dedicate the new Storybook Trail at the James H. McBride Arboretum, found within BGSU Firelands' Huron-area campus. Sponsored by the Huron Rotary Club, in partnership with the library and the college, it aims to get people outside and exercise while promoting literacy. Melissa Harrington, the library's head of youth services, led a group for an inaugural walk around this track. She read aloud the first chosen book — "Look and Listen: Who's in the Garden, Meadow, Brook?" by Dianne Whiteon — along this pathway. Along the entire trail, about one-half mile, people can incrementally read a page or two of this book posted underneath a protected stand. There's also a QR code on stands that people can scan with a smartphone, which takes them to a special library website. It contains additional activities and information directly related to the books, including a playlist of songs. "Storybook trails are lined with pages from a children's book to blend the fun of outdoor exploration with reading," according to a Huron library statement. "Each Storybook Trail is a short walking path that features pages of a picture book on child-height panels. This partnership highlights the importance of literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature. Regarding the local trail, "Huron Public Library will seasonally change out the book that appears on the Storybook Trail," according to a library statement. People can learn more by visiting huronlibrary.org.