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G2S Project Code: 2021-AZ-88503
State: Arizona
Fiscal Year: 2021
Grantee
Peoria Public Library System

Project Director
Director Name: Heather Sorden
Director Phone: 623-773-8656
Director Email: heather.sorden@peoriaaz.gov
General Information
Title: Peoria Public Library StoryWalks®
State Project Code: 2021-0260-06
Start Date: 05/14/2021
End Date: 09/01/2022
Abstract: The goal of this project was to install two StoryWalks® at two of the three community parks in the City of Peoria. Funds were used to purchase all the materials and services needed to install two permanent StoryWalks®, including enough material to sustain the project for two years. Community members have benefitted from the project as StoryWalks® are fun and educational activities that promote reading, literacy and physical activity in an outdoor setting, utilizing city parks and promoting library use.
State Goal: Informal Education
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$15,276.00
$0.00
$50,866.14
$66,142.14
Intent(s)
Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.
Parenting & Family skills
Personal/Family health & wellness
Activities
Activity Details
Title: StoryWalk® Presentations
Narrative: Library staff hosted three presentations to launch the StoryWalks® in two city parks and partner with Peoria Parks Department to offer a program on the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. The program included crafts, storytime, and a hands-on activity at the Park's butterfly garden where children learned about flowers that attract butterflies.
Intent: Improve users' ability to apply information that furthers their parenting and family skills.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 40
Number of presentations/performances administered: 3
Average number in attendance per session: 45


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 0-5 years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: Yes
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: PEORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
Address: 8463 W. MONROE ST.
City: PEORIA
State: AZ
Zip: 85345
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
It was quickly determined that the StoryWalk® was so popular, families were traveling to both locations to participate, and four stories rotated per year did not meet the demands. The library offered a craft to each child that took a selfie with the StoryWalk®. This was less successful than anticipated. The grand openings and special StoryWalk® program were well attended (over 130 participants). A second special program is scheduled for September 2022.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The decision was made to add more stories into the rotation to give participants a wider variety of stories. Crafts will not be offered for each new StoryWalk®; resources will instead be channeled into providing more variety of stories. Special StoryWalk® story times will continue in the future.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
The project manager visited/researched other StoryWalks® in the Phoenix area and found most used printed paper or cardstock for the storyboards. These materials tend to fade and/or have water damage over a short period of time. Peoria Public Library had the story boards printed on styrene and also laminated each page of the picture book. The story boards had no fading/water damage and can be reused for future StoryWalks®.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
The majority of project management occurred during the installation of the signs and the preparation of the story boards. Consequently, the level of management effort will decrease since the installation is complete, although the Mayor and other city leadership are very pleased with the project and requested another StoryWalk® be installed at the other community park in Peoria.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: