(FORT WAYNE, IN) – The Allen County Public Library welcomed media, donors, and families to celebrate the new Woodburn Branch StoryScape at a grand opening on Wednesday, March 20. StoryScape is the first of its kind at an ACPL branch location and builds on the success of the popular StoryScape in the Main Library’s Children’s Department. The custom-designed space will utilize hands-on learning tools and library materials to encourage young children to read, sing, write, talk, and play. StoryScape focuses on promoting early literacy with children ages 7 and younger.
“StoryScape marries a child’s natural love of play with early, consistent, and abundant access to books – and we all know early literacy is a critical indicator of a child’s success,” said ACPL Youth Services Manager Jacki Fulwood. “At the ACPL, we are committed to meeting that need!”
The space was funded through a donation from the Allen County Public Library Foundation, as well as, Library reserve funds.
“I am so pleased to see a community like Woodburn among the first to open a branch version of StoryScape,” said ACPL Foundation Board Chair Rich Beck. “All children in Allen County deserve access to the wonder and learning that happens in an engaging early literacy space like StoryScape.”
Beck, Woodburn Mayor Joseph Kelsey, ACPL staff, and Woodburn storytime participants celebrated with cookies and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Kelsey read a proclamation stating that March 20, 2024 would be known as “StoryScape Day” in the City of Woodburn.
Woodburn’s StoryScape is open during normal library hours. It is free and open to the public. The Library plans to expand StoryScape to the entire ACPL system as part of its 2024-28 strategic plan “Allen County’s Window to Lifelong Learning and Discovery”. The Pontiac branch will be the next to open a StoryScape in late April.
For more information about StoryScape and other youth activities at the Allen County Public Library, visit www.acpl.info.
