Storybook trail continues to engage families
By Finley Timon EDITORIAL INTERN
This summer, the Big Sky Community Library isn’t just checking out books. It’s on trails, in classrooms and in events across town.
One three-year-old project is the immersive Storybook Trail, which begins at the South Fork Loop trailhead, guiding hikers along a one-mile path where they can read a children’s book one page at a time. Checkpoints throughout the trail feature the next page of the story.
The idea for the Storybook Trail came from a library board member who saw a similar project while traveling and brought the concept back to Big Sky in June of 2023. With support from the Big Sky Community Organization, which manages local trails, the library adapted the program to suit Big Sky’s environment.
“We definitely have to take the seasons into consideration,” said Pam Butterworth, lead librarian.
Families can sponsor and choose a book for $250, which covers the cost of materials. Each sponsor also receives a custom social media post featuring their family photo and a note about their chosen book.
As the natural terrain changes throughout the year, so do the books. Sponsors have their book on the trail for about 3 months, making it fun to follow the trail several times a year.
“People are always excited about it,” said Laine Hegness, children’s librarian. “I work with a lot of families, and I get a lot of questions like, ‘What’s the next book? When’s it going in?’ They want to take their kids out there.”
Reading programs for all ages
The library’s adult book club features titles that range from artificial intelligence to community-based themes. This summer’s series is designed to engage a slightly younger audience—particularly those in the 20- to 40-year-old range—while still welcoming returning readers.
Children’s summer reading program sign-ups open June 23, with a family hike scheduled for June 30 on the Storybook Trail, in partnership with Hike Big Sky and BSCO.
Hegness said the initiative continues to evolve.
“I love the summer reading program. This is my third summer with the library as a children’s librarian, and I feel like we get a little better each summer.”
The “Color Our World” theme will guide this year’s activities; Hegness noted this year’s balance between the “educational and fun” elements.
“The purpose behind summer reading programs across the nation is to help prevent that summer slide, so kids don’t lose the creative thinking they had throughout the school year,” Hegness said.
PHOTO BY FINLEY TIMON
The library encourages children to read for 20 minutes each day and track their progress. Those who meet their goals can earn weekly rewards and participate in additional incentive-based activities.
Community support remains key for the library. Butterworth reflected on local donors who contribute to enable the library’s programs.
“It’s generally patrons that want to represent themselves or something that they feel close to their heart to sponsor,” she said.
The library will host its used book sale booth again this year at the Big Sky Farmers Market. Community members can support the effort by volunteering through the Volunteer Big Sky website or by purchasing books at the library.
