StoryWalk: A Free, Outdoor Reading Adventure

Join the San José Public Library for its first StoryWalk reading experience in the Alum Rock Village in East San José. StoryWalks are free outdoor reading experiences where families walk along a short route and read a story, station by station. The SJPL StoryWalks are a great way to discover and support local community businesses, family bonding, physical activity, and the joys of reading and learning. Local small businesses in the Alum Rock Village along Alum Rock Avenue and White Road will display story pages on their storefronts. Each bilingual Spanish-English story page is accompanied by fun questions and prompts for caregivers and children to do together. The story pages stay posted for several weeks at a time for families and passersby to enjoy.

The StoryWalk Book

As families go on the StoryWalk, they will read the book Counting on Community by Innosanto Nagara, a Bay Area-based author, illustrator, and activist designer. The book is about counting, but it's not just about counting – it's about how we're all connected. The story and vivid images show young readers ways to appreciate and help others in their communities. Counting on Community reminds readers that when things get tough, they are not alone – they can count on their community. Watch the video below for a very special message to StoryWalkers from the author, Innosanto Nagara!

The StoryWalk Route

Families begin the StoryWalk at TeaZer Cafe and follow the directions on the StoryWalk posters to each following station. The route goes along N. White Road and Alum Rock Avenue and spans 14 stops in total, ending at the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library.

Download and print a PDF StoryWalk map

What to Expect on the StoryWalk

• Read: The StoryWalk pages are spread out across a couple blocks on White Road and Alum Rock Avenue and the whole route takes about 10-20 minutes to complete.
• Count: Children will have the opportunity to practice counting and thinking about items they see in their community.
• Play: Families will be able to have fun together as they enjoy simple prompts and physical activities on each poster.
• Explore: Families will be able to explore the Alum Rock Village as they visit each participating local business.

Highlighting East San José

The San José Public Library StoryWalk is proud to partner with many local small businesses in the Alum Rock Village. SJPL seeks to honor our community as a place where people come together to work, play, learn, and grow. Each participating business serves as a StoryWalk station and displays a book page in their storefront windows along the route. Additionally, there is a StoryWalk station inviting families to interact with the beautiful mural on Alum Rock Avenue and White Road, "Valley of the Heart's Delight" by local muralist Carlos Rodriguez, who has deep roots in East San José. The mural not only highlights the rich history of San José, but it also tells a powerful story of what's possible when a small group of people take action and create something beautiful for their community.

Finished the StoryWalk? Here are more activities you can do in your community!

• Find ways to help in your community every day!
  Plant a seed, share with a friend, or clean up litter – these are just a few ideas! Small things—like helping to wash the dishes or making a nice card for a friend—can make a big difference.

• Play "I spy…" in your community
  Write down or draw what you see in your community: friends, family, teachers, books that you like, schools, grocery stores, restaurants, trees, animals. What are your favorite things in your community?

For more information about the SJPL StoryWalk, please email: earlyeducation@sjlibrary.org