Southeast Arkansas Regional Library and the Monticello Branch Library dedicated a permanent StoryWalk® along the branch walking path, with a ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
StoryWalk displays children’s illustrated books page by page along an outdoor route so families can walk and read together. Monticello first tried a temporary StoryWalk in April 2020 during COVID-19 closures; a new title now rotates monthly to match seasons and community themes.
The permanent, ADA-compliant installation was funded through a competitive Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities grant from the American Library Association in collaboration with the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, plus Friends of the Monticello Library and local sponsors. Staff completed conversation-leadership training and hosted a community accessibility forum as part of the grant.
StoryWalk® is a registered service mark of Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, developed with Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
