A new initiative by the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is encouraging kids to read, explore their community, and practice kindness.
The branch’s Govans Community StoryWalk runs through June 30.
Designed for Baltimore-area families, the StoryWalk takes participants on a tour through the Govans neighborhood in north central Baltimore. The tour begins at the Enoch Pratt’s Govans branch, and stops along the way include community hubs like Illicit Rag Vintage, The Confetti Cake Bar, and the Senator Theater.
At each stop, participants can read a panel from children’s author Todd Parr’s “The Kindness Book.” As families read, they can check the location off on a checklist provided by the library.
Along with the checklist, families can also mark their adventure with a “Kindness Countdown.” Every day for a week, participants are encouraged to log one kind thing they did each day, either through writing or a drawing a picture.
Once the Kindness Countdown is completed and all of the tour spots are checked off, participants can return to the Govans branch to redeem their own free copy of “The Kindness Book.”
To accompany the StoryWalk, Enoch Pratt Free Library will be hosting a virtual children’s Q&A with Todd Parr on Saturday, June 25, at 2pm. During his Zoom event, Parr will read stories and take questions from the audience. To register, visit Enoch Pratt Free Library’s website.
The Govans Community StoryWalk is one of the many events that are part of Enoch Pratt’s Summer Break Baltimore program. Enoch Pratt’s website states that the program “is a fun, free program for all ages that encourages literacy and learning in our community all summer long.”
Through the Summer Break Baltimore program, participants have the opportunity to earn prizes by submitting reading logs, reporting library visits, and attending library-sponsored events like the Govans Community StoryWalk.
Prizes for children vary by age group, but include incentives like Lego sets, Chromecast, and tickets to the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium.
Adults have the opportunity to sign up and win prizes too. By signing up, adults have the opportunity to win $50 gift cards to various bookstores across Baltimore City.
To participate in Enoch Pratt’s Summer Break Baltimore program, visit their website or your local branch to sign up.
Visit the Govans branch of Enoch Pratt Free Library for further details about the StoryWalk and the Summer Break Baltimore program.
