The J. Lewis Crozer Library proudly presents a permanent StoryWalk® on the library grounds, made possible by funding from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) through the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries. This initiative furthers our mission to enhance equity and inclusion by offering an engaging outdoor literacy experience that benefits children, youth, and families alike. Picture taking a relaxing stroll through Memorial Park while immersing yourself in a captivating picture book displayed across podiums—a delightful activity for all ages to enjoy together.
The StoryWalk® initiative is especially meaningful for Chester, addressing local socioeconomic and educational disparities by promoting literacy and lifelong learning. It serves as a community hub for engagement, learning, and growth, fostering early literacy, multiliteracies, and a love of reading. By removing accessibility barriers and providing culturally responsive resources, the project strengthens community bonds and supports the educational development of local youth.
This initiative also provides a valuable teaching moment for parents and caregivers—children’s first teachers—encouraging family members, friends, and classrooms to come together to explore books’ texts, illustrations, and themes. This is especially important in our community, where many households rely on food assistance and access to educational resources may be limited.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Fatherhood Awareness StoryWalk®
In June 2023, the J. Lewis Crozer Library partnered with The Foundation for Delaware County’s Healthy Start Fatherhood Program to celebrate Fatherhood Awareness Month with a memorable StoryWalk®. This interactive outdoor reading experience featured Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis.
Families strolled along an outdoor path lined with podiums displaying the pages of this heartfelt picture book. Thoughtful prompts encouraged family discussions and reflections on the themes of love, fatherhood, and connection. The event also included community health vendors, engaging crafts and activities, and light refreshments, offering a wonderful day of fun and learning for all ages.
The library’s second annual Fatherhood Awareness StoryWalk® in June 2024 featured In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers, a beautiful collection of poems illustrated by Javaka Steptoe.
Families enjoyed the scenic outdoor path lined with podiums displaying the pages of this powerful book. The event celebrated fatherhood and provided a space for meaningful conversations about the role of fathers and the importance of family. Organized in partnership with The Foundation for Delaware County’s Fatherhood Program, this StoryWalk® brought the community together in a celebration of love, connection, and shared experiences.
Dream Together: Experience Dr. Martin Luther King’s Vision
In January 2024, the J. Lewis Crozer Library commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with an inspiring StoryWalk® featuring I Have a Dream, his iconic speech illustrated by Kadir Nelson.
Families, educators, and community members braved the winter weather to stroll through Memorial Park and engage with this powerful story of equality, freedom, and peace. The Caldecott Honor-winning illustrations paired beautifully with Dr. King’s timeless words, creating a meaningful experience for readers of all ages. This unique event provided a moment to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and share in its continued relevance and importance.
The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop
In August and September 2023, the J. Lewis Crozer Library celebrated 50 years of Hip-Hop with a StoryWalk® featuring The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison.
This engaging installation took visitors on a journey to the Bronx of the 1970s, showcasing hip-hop’s origins within Black and Hispanic/Latino communities and highlighting its four pillars: MCing, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Weatherford’s rhythmic verses and Morrison’s vivid illustrations captured the genre’s creativity, resilience, and cultural significance, blending storytelling, art, and music. The experience was both dynamic and educational, celebrating hip-hop’s transformative power and its enduring impact.
Scars From Afar by Marceline Andrews-Roots
In October 2024, the J. Lewis Crozer Library featured the debut poetry collection Scars From Afar by local author Marceline Andrews-Roots as a StoryWalk®. Excerpts and personal quotes from the book were displayed along the outdoor path, creating a space for reflection on themes of faith, healing, and resilience.
This unique StoryWalk® was part of a broader event celebrating the author’s work. Guests enjoyed coffee, tea, brunch favorites, and community activities, all while connecting through poetry and shared stories. It was a meaningful opportunity to uplift local talent and explore the transformative power of storytelling.