McKenzie County Public Library unveils “Walk and Wonder”
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
The McKenzie County Public Library is opening a new chapter in community engagement, literally, with the unveiling of a permanent “Walk & Wonder” book walk at the Watford City Tourist Park on Saturday, Sept. 20.
The event promises a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, and “get into,” a good book, so-to-speak.
The project, which has been in the works since late spring of 2024, is the result of a collaborative effort between the library and Watford City Parks and Recreation, with support from the Rough Rider Fund. A book walk is an innovative concept that displays an illustrated children’s book a page or two at a time along a path, encouraging readers to move through a public space to enjoy the story. The McKenzie County Public Library Board chose to call their installation “Walk & Wonder.”
Olivia Dwyer, Vice President for the McKenzie County Public Library Board, shared the inspiration for the project. “I first came across the idea of a Story Walk in my role as a library media specialist with the McKenzie County School District,” she said. “As a mom of young children, I especially love how it combines two of our favorite things-walking and reading-while helping families connect with stories outside the walls of the library.”
The installation, which includes 18 displays, found its home at the Watford City Tourist Park after the Watford City Parks and Recreation Board identified it as the most practical location. The park’s layout and natural beauty were seen as a perfect fit for the “Walk & Wonder” concept.
Visitors can expect a day of family fun at the unveiling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.
According to event organizers, guests can “walk through Tourist Park and wonder their way through a fun children’s book while using a scavenger hunt, information from a special guest, and doing some nature-related art to tie together the outdoor space of Tourist Park to the book displayed.” While the event is aimed at children and families, the book walk itself can be enjoyed by all ages throughout the year.
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