LA GRANDE — La Grande book lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have reason to rejoice.

Not only has the StoryWalk along La Grande’s Riverside Park greenway been repaired, but Cook Memorial Library recently unveiled a second StoryWalk at Birnie Park. Mackenzie Isaak, the library’s director of children’s services, is excited for the community to utilize both StoryWalks.

“We’re hoping it will encourage people to get outside and go enjoy it,” Isaak said.

StoryWalks display separate pages of a book along a walking trail, bike path or other routes as a way to simultaneously promote reading and exercise. La Grande’s StoryWalks feature 20 posts for pages along the greenway and through Birnie Park.

A StoryWalk restored

The StoryWalk was installed along the greenway in 2020. There has been some minor vandalism since the installation, Isaak said, but last year in early November seven of the 20 plexiglass panels were cracked beyond repair.

When the library announced the StoryWalk would be temporarily closed due to the vandalism, the department received an outpouring of support from the community. It ended up costing around $400 to replace the broken panels, which Library Director Carrie Bushman said was completely covered through donations from community members.

The panels come from Barking Dog Exhibits, according to Bushman.

“They’re a great company to work with,” she said.

Bushman and Isaak encourage anyone who notices vandalism on the StoryWalks to alert the library.

The new plexiglass panels and latest book — “Some Bunny Loves You” by Helen Foster James — were installed Jan. 30, according to Isaak. (This month’s book was sponsored by Barbara Malone).

While the posts for the new StoryWalk were installed last fall, Isaak said the first book also went in at Birnie Park on Jan. 30.

In Memoriam

The second StoryWalk memorializes Linda Elegant, Isaak said, who was a long-time La Grande resident and patron of Cook Memorial Library. Elegant left a substantial donation to the library upon her death in 2023.

Bushman said Elegant was one of the regulars at the library and it wasn’t unusual to see her multiple times a week. Bushman recalled that Elegant always had kind words to say and great book recommendations to share.

“I don’t remember her not being a part of the library world,” she said.

Elegant deeply valued literacy and education, according to Bushman. Throughout her career she worked as an educator at multiple institutions, including Portland State University, Portland Community College, what is now the Camp Riverbend Youth Transitional Facility and Eastern Oregon University.

The monetary gift she left the library was intended to be used to serve the children in the community.

“We are deeply honored that Linda trusted us to carry on her legacy and it is our hope that children will delight in these stories while enjoying the same outdoors Linda loved so much,” Bushman said.

Library staff toured multiple locations with La Grande Parks and Recreation Director Stu Spence while considering where to install the second StoryWalk. Ultimately, Isaak said, they selected Birnie Park.

One of the major factors behind this decision was the location of Birnie Park, which is situated on C Avenue near Sixth Street. The overall distance from Riverside Park allows the library to serve another area of the community with the second StoryWalk, Isaak said, and there are many neighborhoods around the park.

Birnie Park is fenced in, which adds an additional layer of safety, and has a playground, so it’s already a place where parents bring their children.

However, Bushman added, the StoryWalks are regularly enjoyed by people of all ages.

Elegant’s husband, Bob Castles, selected “The Fire Cat” by Esther Averill as the first book to be displayed at the StoryWalk. He told library staff that it was a family favorite and he remembered reading it to his kids growing up.

Library staff prepare the books in-house, Isaak said, which includes printing and laminating the pages. The pages are then installed along the pathway by Michael and Melissa Shepherd. Bushman added that the Shepherds have already volunteered to update the second StoryWalk as well.

Local sponsors help cover the cost of the book and lamination each month. Isaak said the library is still looking for a few sponsors for 2025. It costs $60 to sponsor a book. Anyone interested in sponsoring a book can fill out an application online or complete a paper application at Cook Memorial Library, 2006 Fourth St. Questions can be directed to Isaak via email at misaak@cityoflagrande.org.