Unveiling the Bentley Center Storywalk®: A Literary and Active Adventure

The City of Statesville Recreation & Parks Department was proud to attend the grand opening of the Bentley Center Storywalk®, which took place on Friday, September 15th, 2023.

Hosted at the Ralph L. Bentley Community Center, the Storywalk® is designed to foster a love for reading and physical activity. Featuring the children's book "How to Catch a Bully Fish" by local authors Xavier Zsarmani Sr. and Jr., this Storywalk® promises to be a source of joy, education, and family bonding for all who visit.

What is a StoryWalk®?

What is a StoryWalk®?! A StoryWalk® combines the joy of reading with the benefits of outdoor exercise. Pages from a children's book are printed and placed along designated walking pathways, creating an interactive reading experience that unfolds as you stroll along. This initiative is a fantastic way to encourage families to enjoy quality time together while nurturing literacy and physical well-being.

A Message from the Iredell County Public Library

'The Iredell County Public Library would like to thank the Iredell County Community Foundations and the Iredell Friends of the Library for funding this Storywalk® .

We would like to thank our partners on this project - the Iredell Friends of the Library, the City of Statesville Recreation & Parks Department, and the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children.

A special thanks to the Fourth Creek Rotary Club for the installation of the posts and the frames.

Thank you Xavier Zsarmini Sr. and Jr., the local authors of the book, How to Catch a Bully Fish, for allowing us to use your book in the inaugural Storywalk® here at the Bentley Center.

Thank you the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classes at Success Institute Charter School for being here with us this morning and being the first official visitors to the Storywalk® at the Ralph L. Bentley Community Center.'

Ms. Henderson's second grade class, Xavier Jr's class, from American Renaissance School was also in attendance for the event.

The Bentley Center Storywalk® Grand Opening is a testament to the strength of collaboration, community spirit, and the enduring power of storytelling. We look forward to welcoming families, friends, and all book lovers to explore the pages of "How to Catch a Bully Fish".