The Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall library held its first Story Walk June 11.
Participants were invited to read while they walked along McNair Rd., Lee Ave., Hospital Lane, Jackson Ave., and Sheridan Ave., which had them round Summerall Field. Participants were encouraged to read portions of “I Went Walking,” a children’s book by Sue Williams, printed on multiple signs, along the road, as they walked and they stopped by the Caisson horse stables so they could receive a guided tour. Prizes were given to those who finished the walk.
Melani Kimery, supervisor of the library, said this year’s theme, “Read for the Win,” is in conjunction with the upcoming summer Olympics. Kimery said the event is not only to promote reading, but to also encourage good health.
“That is the reason that we wanted everyone to read outside doing something physical,” she said. “That is why we kicked off with our story walk.”
Halyna Mudri, who attended the event along with her two daughters (Maya, 5, and Eva, infant), said that before this day she hadn’t been to the joint base’s library in about five years.
“I came out to do the walk with my daughter, the summer reading program,” said Mudri, who works at the Office of Naval Research. “My daughter loves to read.”
Although summer reading programs are new, the story walk was a new way to help promote healthy lifestyles, said Kimery.
“This program has existed in years past, but we are trying to promote it more,” said Kimery. “The Army has been doing the summer reading program in conjunction with the Navy for the last several years.”
Kimery said she has also partnered with the Cody Child Development Center. She said that once the summer school starts, children from the center will be coming over to the library every Monday.
“We are going to be doing story time and craft activities once they begin to bring the children over,” Kimery explained. “I also go over to the CDC twice a month to do story time with the preschoolers. We want to show people that we are here for them.”
Kimery said the summer reading program is not only for children. Both adults and children can sign up online and win prizes. Consistent with the program’s theme, Kimery said some of the adult prizes are pedometers and sports water bottles.
Pentagram Staff Writer Delonte Harrod can be reached at dharrod@dcmilitary.com