AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Walking around with your nose stuck in a book has a whole different meaning in community spaces dedicated to walking and reading at the same time. This year, 12 communities across Alabama are installing permanent book walks, offering families a unique way to combine physical activity with learning.

Each book walk displays the pages of a book, which focuses on nutrition and physical activity, inside weatherproof cases cemented into the ground. These are typically installed along walking trails, parks or in other popular outdoor spaces. Each laminated page encourages participants to stroll from post to post to read the next part of the story. By the end of the trail, participants have engaged in light exercise while enjoying a fun book.

The installation and maintenance of these book walks are made possible through collaborative efforts between Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) agents with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and local partners. This is the second year that funding from mini grants have been awarded for book walks.

SNAP-Ed Extension Specialist Erin Reznicek said the goal of these projects is to transform a simple stroll into an educational adventure, making movement enjoyable and meaningful for everyone.

“The book walks add value to a park or trail in a local community,” Reznicek said. “The signage is a multipurpose tool that encourages physical fitness through movement and cognitive development through reading.”

Irondale Community School Book Walk

Second and third graders at Irondale Community School have the opportunity to experience cognitive and physical growth through a book walk across the street from their school. Desiree Hutcherson-Bates and Arkaya King-Pace, SNAP-Ed agents in the Jefferson County Extension office, partnered with the city of Irondale to installed the posts around the half-mile walking trail.

“I wanted to partner with the city of Irondale because of the location,” Hutcherson-Bates said. “Students will have more opportunities to participate in walking field trips because of the proximity to the school.”

The grand opening of the Irondale Book Walk took place Aug. 20, with Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. in attendance to cut the ribbon. The theme for the day was trains. The city treated the students to a ride on a small train. Afterward, attendees walked the half-mile trail, stopping at 22 different posts to read the book, “Steam Train, Dream Train.” They also participated in physical activities, such as jumping jacks, push-ups and lunges. The children enjoyed a healthy frozen yogurt snack and a cold bottle of water before returning to class. Hutcherson-Bates said she hopes the book walk will encourage more families to spend time together being active outdoors.

Lineville City Park Book Walk

The Lineville City Park cut the ribbon on their book walk Sept. 18. The book walk is an extension of the Lineville City Library and the Clay County Health and Wellness Center. SNAP-Ed Agent Meaghan Robertson worked with librarian Catherine Memmolo to get the book walk installed.

“Ms. Memmolo reached out to me as soon as the mini grant became available because she knew what a great addition this would be to Clay County,” Robertson said.

The park serves all of Clay County as a place to play, work out and enjoy the outdoors. Live music shows, car shows, baseball games and celebrations are all held at the park. Robertson hopes that the stories and movement activities will bring children and parents outside where reading and moving are encouraged.

More Information

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com. There, you can find valuable resources, practical advice and insights to support your wellness journey.

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