New Storybook Trail Opens at Smyrna Public Library

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Thanks to the newly opened Storybook Trail at the Smyrna Public Library, families in Smyrna now have a brand-new way to combine reading, outdoor fun, and quality time together.

This charming new feature transforms the outdoor path of J.J. McWilliams Old Rock School Park into an engaging literary adventure, where pages from a children's book are displayed on colorful, child-height panels spaced along the trail. The Storybook Trail is designed to bring books to life, offering a fun and flexible way for children of all ages and reading levels to build literacy skills while enjoying the fresh air.

Made possible through the generous support of United Way of South Central Tennessee, the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), and Ingram Content Group, the trail is part of a statewide initiative to promote family reading, nature exploration, and community connection. The community gathered on May 14, 2025, to celebrate its unveiling.

This is a great way to spend time together, encourage and enhance your child’s reading skills, and invigorate the love of reading. Families can walk through the park while enjoying a story at the same time. Perhaps the adult reads the first lap, and the child reads to you during the second lap. And don’t forget to stop in the library to borrow some books to read at home!

Visit the Smyrna Public Library today and take a walk through the pages of a good book as you enjoy a meaningful and memorable way to connect with stories – and with each other.