The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and the Austintown Local School District will launch a new Story Trails next week at Austintown Township Park.

The kickoff will occur 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 30 at Pogany Pavilion. The event is open to the public.

The Public Library, Austintown Public Schools and Austintown Township Trustee Monica Deavers will introduce this new resource for Austintown families. Story Trails allows families to walk and read the book along a path while enjoying nature.

“I’m excited for the Storybook Trail to come to our community because it’s a fantastic way to promote literacy, encourage outdoor activity, and bring our community together,” said Deavers.

Karen Lamm, a kindergarten teacher at Austintown Elementary School, brought the idea to Austintown Local School Board Member Kathy Mock.

“Karen had seen in another community a Story Trail and thought how wonderful it was to read together and enjoy the outdoors,” said Mock.

“Story Trails is something the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County puts together across the county every year so children and families can share the joy of reading,” said Erin Phemester, PLYMC chief experience officer.