They walked, they read, and perhaps most importantly, they had fun as they learned.

About 20 youngsters joined the Lehighton Area Memorial Library’s board of directors and staff Wednesday morning for the debut of a StoryWalk in the Upper and Lower parks.

The library collaborated with the Lehighton Borough Parks and Recreation Board and the Lehighton Department of Public Works to place and install the permanent displays.

Lehighton Area Memorial Library Director Melissa Hawk said that in addition to being a free activity to all, the StoryWalk Project is an innovative way for everyone to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time,

“We are continually looking for new ways to benefit the community, and for grants to help make them happen,” Hawk said. “This project allows us to provide a fun, engaging activity outside the walls of the library. We hope that it also sparks curiosity about the other services we offer.”

The walk begins across the street from the library. While moving along the path, participants discover laminated pages from a children’s book at each of the 20 stations located throughout the two parks.

This allows individuals, families, and other groups to enjoy activities focused on reading, singing, movement, and other skills which are crucial to literacy.

Miranda Wommer of Lehighton brought all four of her children to the park.

“It fosters a love of reading at an early age,” Wommer said. “It’s interactive, fun, and they’re learning at the same time.”

Her son, Weston Wommer, was clearly enthralled by the interactive activity.

“I like how we could walk to the different parts of the story,” said Weston, 7. “And I like all the birds making noises.”

Paige Yaroszeufski, 10, of Lehighton, said she enjoyed the activity a great deal.

So too, did Quinn Haydt, 12, of Lehighton.

“It’s amazing; I know most of the kids here because I help with Story Time on Wednesdays and Toddler Time on Fridays,” Quinn said. “It’s really enjoyable to see how they interpret the pages and see all of the birds.”

Hawk said she couldn’t have asked for a better showing.

“It was a great turnout,” she said. “I’m excited for them to come back to see the entire StoryWalk.”

A new book will be featured each month, or every two during the colder months, Hawk said.

The first featured book is “How to Find a Bird” by Jennifer Ward and Diana Sudyka. Bird lovers will adore this lushly illustrated introduction to how to spot and observe our feathered friends. It features more than 50 different species, and a detailed author’s note provides more information about birding.

The StoryWalk Project was first created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

StoryWalks have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries.

The project is funded through the Family Engagement Grant, a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries.

For more information on StoryWalk, and the other programs and services the Lehighton Area Memorial Library offers, visit lehightonlibrary.com, and follow the Library on social media.