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Washington Evening Journal
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Winfield Library helps families step into summer with a dragon tale
Families followed the footsteps of a determined knight — and maybe a dragon — during Stride into Summer, thanks to a magical StoryWalk created by the Winfield, Mt. Pleasant, and New London libraries
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Families who strolled through East Lake Park during Henry County Public Health’s Stride into Summer event found themselves on an unexpected adventure — one filled with knights, treasure, and dragons — thanks to a collaborative effort between three local libraries.
The Winfield Public Library teamed up with the Mt. Pleasant and New London public libraries to create a StoryWalk experience for this year’s kickoff event. The featured book, Here Be Dragons by Susannah Lloyd and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, was brought to life across a path where pages of the story were posted at intervals, encouraging families to walk, read, and laugh together.
The StoryWalk followed a hapless but determined knight who sets off in search of a dragon despite his fellow knights' insistence that such creatures don’t exist. Armed with a sword, a steed, and a map that reads “HERE BE DRAGONS,” he marches straight toward danger — unknowingly stepping over tails, shouting into nostrils, and marching into the dragon’s very mouth, all while oblivious to the signs around him.
For participating families, the StoryWalk provided more than just entertainment. It was an invitation to connect physical activity with early literacy — a core goal of the Stride into Summer program, which promotes healthy habits for all ages. As children raced from page to page and parents read aloud, they weren’t just exercising their bodies — they were engaging with storytelling in a whole new way.
This marks a meaningful collaboration between libraries across Henry County. By combining resources and creativity, the Winfield, Mt. Pleasant, and New London libraries brought the whimsical tale into the real world, transforming a summer walk into a literary journey. It’s also a strong example of how small-town libraries can work together to bring enriching, accessible programming to their communities.
Stride into Summer offered much more than just reading: attendees enjoyed wellness booths, snacks, hands-on activities, and even a chance to explore a firetruck. But for many families, the highlight was following the determined little knight along the lakeside — and maybe spotting a dragon or two hiding along the trail.
As summer begins, the Winfield Public Library and its partners have already set the tone: one of community, creativity, and stories that move — literally.
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Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
