Families can enjoy nature while reading a story with Storybook Trails, a recent phenomenon spread across the Toledo area’s public parks and libraries. Children can navigate through the trail with their parents while learning about different aspects of nature from various authors.
“Visiting a Storybook Trail is a great opportunity for families to enjoy learning in the outdoors together,” says Mary Mertz, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources. “Kids of all ages will find fun and interactive ways to engage with these stories all while discovering more about conservation and the natural world.”
The program debuted in 2019 as The Ohio Department of Natural Resources placed an emphasis on the importance of literacy, health and the benefits of connecting with nature. Since then, it has expanded to Metroparks and libraries that guide participants along half-mile trails while following a favorite story. While trekking, children can follow along with the story using the wooden signs. There are 20 trails in our area with different stories at each location. There is no cost to walk the trails. Check out the locations below to start planning your adventure!
- TLCPL Sylvania Branch Library StoryWalk
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
6749 Monroe St., Sylvania
419-882-2089
toledolibrary.org/locations/sylvania - TLCPL Washington Branch Library’s StoryWalk
5560 Harvest Ln.
419-259-5330
toledolibrary.org/locations/Washington
- TLCPL Point Place Branch Library’s StoryWalk
2727 117th St.
419-259-5390
toledolibrary.org/locations/point-place
- TLCPL King Road Branch Library’s StoryWalk
3900 King Rd.
419-259-5380
toledolibrary.org/locations/king-road - Olander Park Walking Trail
6930 W Sylvania Ave., Sylvania
419-882-8313
olanderpark.com - TLCPL Reynolds Corners Branch Library StoryWalk
4833 Dorr St.
419-259-5320
toledolibrary.org/locations/reynolds-corners
- TLCPL Holland Branch Library’s StoryWalk
1032 S McCord Rd., Holland
419-259-5240
toledolibrary.org/locations/Holland - TLCPL Sanger Branch Library’s StoryWalk
3030 Central Ave.
419-259-5370
toledolibrary.org/locations/sanger - LCPL West Toledo Branch Library’s StoryWalk
1320 W Sylvania Ave.
419-259-5290
toledolibrary.org/locations/west-toledo - TLCPL Heatherdowns Branch Library’s StoryWalk
3265 Glanzman Rd.
419-259-5270
toledolibrary.org/locations/heatherdowns - TLCPL Toledo Heights Branch Library’s StoryWalk
423 Shasta Dr.
419-259-5220
toledolibrary.org/locations/toledo-heights - TLCPL South Branch Library’s StoryWalk
1736 Broadway St.
419-259-5395
toledolibrary.org/locations/south
- TLCPL Maumee Branch Library’s StoryWalk
501 River Rd., Maumee
419-259-5360
toledolibrary.org/locations/Maumee - TLCPL Waterville Branch Library’s StoryWalk
800 Michigan Ave., Waterville
419-878-3055
toledolibrary.org/locations/Waterville - Storybook Trail at Mary Jane Thurston State Park
24698 State Rte. 65, Grand Rapids
419-832-7662
parks.ohiodnr.gov/maryjanethurston - TLCPL Main Library’s Rooftop StoryWalk
325 N Michigan St.
419-259-5200
toledolibrary.org - TLCPL Locke Branch Library’s StoryWalk
703 Miami St.
419-259-5310
toledolibrary.org/locations/locke
- TLCPL Birmingham Branch Library’s StoryWalk
203 Paine Ave.
419-259-5210
toledolibrary.org/locations/Birmingham
- TLCPL Oregon Branch Library’s StoryWalk
3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon, Ohio
419-259-5250
toledolibrary.org/locations/oregon - Black Swamp Conservancy
4825 Sugar Ridge Rd., Pemberville
419-833-1025
blackswamp.org