ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Friends of the Escanaba Public Library are celebrating the holidays with an Upper Peninsula-themed installation.
The Friends of the Library maintain a Story Walk in the Garden, located behind the library. Pages of an illustrated book are put on display, offering a story for guests to read as they stroll through the garden.
“We usually change our stories out quarterly, roughly seasonally,” explained Gale Brinkman, Vice President of the Friends of the Library Board. “They either have something to do with the time of the year or maybe something the library is trying to promote at that time. We have to order two copies, take them apart, and mount them. People seem to really enjoy it.”
The Story Walk currently features The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas, written by Dana D. Saugstad of Quinnesec and illustrated by Emmalene Oysti of Marquette. The story swaps items from the classic holiday song with gifts like pasties, sled dogs, and ski jumps.
“Instead of a partridge in a pear tree, it’s a brookie from the Michigamme,” Brinkman said. “It’s really fun, and it’s local.”
Brinkman says the Story Walk allows guests to interact with literature and nature at the same time.
“This garden has some native plants and we usually, in the winter, have a bird feeder out,” she said. “We try and make it correspond, so there’s always something to discuss. Anything that will bring parents and kids together and make them research something or have some fun is really enjoyable.”
The Twelve Days of Yooper Christmas will remain on display until the Friends of the Library install a new story for spring, likely in February or March.
The Friends of the Escanaba Public Library are accepting new members and donations, which support the Story Walk, school reading programs, and new technology and materials for the library. To learn more about getting involved, pick up an application form inside the library at 400 Ludington Street or visit the group’s Facebook page.
