Story Stroll unveiled at Hodag Park

Permanent display will feature children's stories year round

By Eileen Persike

Editor

The Rhinelander District Library’s Story Stroll at Hodag Park is official open for young readers.  Now a permanent feature at the park, the Story Stroll consists of 18 pedestals installed at child-height, each with a page of a story book. The story can be read by following the paved walking path from near the baseball fields to the beach.

It’s the result of a collaborative effort, led by Children’s Services Manager Denise Chojnacki and the Story Stroll committee, consisting of library staff Marianne Steadman and Mona Tifft, as well as Janet Jamison and Ransey Osness. A grant from the Rhinelander Community Foundation (RCF) paid for the purchase of the posts, which were placed in the ground by city of Rhinelander employees.

The first book selected for the stroll is “Most Days,” by Wisconsin author Michael Leannah. It reminds children and adults alike to live their lives mindfully.

“We watch for books that will appeal to all children, and this story was so uplifting,” said Chojnacki. “We thought that in a day and age when things can be so stressful, and it would be something kids could read and think, ‘Oh yeah, most days are pretty good.’”

The author made a surprise visit to help celebrate both the Story Stroll opening and his birthday. Families received free copies of the book, courtesy of the library.

The first story stroll in Rhinelander took place in spring, 2020. Book pages were posted in the windows of downtown businesses and encouraged families to get outside and enjoy the fresh air during the pandemic.

Chojnacki said the goal is to have a new story

for the stroll each month at Hodag Park and to continue it through the year. For more information on the Story Stroll and the upcoming summer reading programs for children, teens and adults, visit rhinelanderlibrary.org or call 715-365-1070.