MACHIAS — For the month of July, the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library in Machias will feature the award-winning children’s book “The Strawberry Garden” by Lia Yaffe Talmor. This heartwarming tale follows the journey of a young girl named Tamar, who discovers a hidden strawberry garden in her grandparents’ backyard. As she tends to the garden, Tamar learns about patience, love, and the cycles of nature, while also uncovering family secrets and forging a deeper connection with her heritage. Through vivid descriptions and touching moments, Talmor weaves a story of growth, resilience, and the simple joys found in nurturing both plants and relationships.
StoryWalk® is a literacy-boosting project that places an illustrated children’s book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along an easily accessible community walking route. Healthy Acadia, Maine SNAP-Ed, and Porter Memorial Library teamed up to launch a StoryWalk® on the library grounds in downtown Machias in October.
The StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library features a different book each month, carefully selected to be woven with themes tied to the season. As visitors stroll along the outdoor path, they can read the story. At the end of their StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library, visitors will find a healthy recipe inspired by that month’s book selection that they can make at home.
The project was initiated by Healthy Acadia Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Shannon Cherry in partnership with Porter Memorial Library. In addition to offering healthy cooking and nutrition classes in schools and community settings, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators also support local food projects throughout the year. These PSE (Policy, Systems, and Environmental) Change Projects help to increase community access to healthy, fresh food.
Stop by the Porter Memorial Library throughout the year and enjoy the StoryWalk®.
The July book selection is generously sponsored by Deborah Huntley. To learn how you can support the StoryWalk® at Porter Memorial Library, please contact Cherry at [email protected] or 207-255-3741.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ferguson.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that engages in a broad range of initiatives to build healthier communities and make it easier for people to lead healthy lives across Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. Learn more at www.healthyacadia.org.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Maine SNAP-Ed is funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which is administered by the Office for Family Independence at the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and implemented statewide by the University of New England through contracts with local community organizations. Maine SNAP-Ed educates families experiencing low income on low-cost healthy eating and active lifestyles. Contact [email protected] or 207-221-4560 for more information.
