In 2023, KABOOM!, the nonprofit dedicated to ending playspace inequity, brought playful learning and literacy organizations together to co-create a Story Trail — an interactive trail with story panels like a book — with McPherson Square Library’s community. 

This week, the storyboards and accompanying game panels that tell a unique story about our beloved library were finally installed in McPherson Square Park. Thanks to the generous funding provided by the William Penn Foundation, our library and community have a new custom Story Trail. Along with our library, two Philadelphia recreation centers took part and will enjoy their unique community-driven stories.

Philly’s author, illustrator, muralist, and community leader Andre Chaney wrote and illustrated these stories. Community engagement expert Phoebe Bachman led the community engagement and writing workshops. Project management and literacy expertise were brought in by Clinton Drees of the Free Library Foundation’s Read by 4th campaign. Our partners at Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network and Too Small To Fail provided pivotal insight and review. This could not happen without KABOOM!’s Alyssa Young's leadership and commitment to ensuring all kids have access to great places to play.

Workshops took place in Spring 2023 and the team returned a few months later with a mostly complete story for community feedback. Now after months of edits, planning, and manufacturing, our stories will be enjoyed by all in our community!

As a community member who participated in the process, I was excited for the children to meet local young author and artist Andre Chaney. Having the children’s voices captured and brought to life was important. With so many negative perceptions of the neighborhood, the Kensington community wanted to show the positive in the area. Andre, Phoebe, Alyssa, and Clinton listened with thought and care to absorb all the stories the kids and community members shared. The children mentioned their school, their corner store, and their homes. Throughout the workshops, the children made it clear that the library was essential to their neighborhood.

Several storyboards illustrate the many activities that the library provides for our community such as fall, winter, and summer festivals. One board even explains how easy it is to get a library card and check out books. One of my favorite boards is the child reading in bed with a small lamp beside them. The child's caregiver walks in and tells them to turn the lights out. It reminds me of my childhood; I spent many nights reading under the covers with a flashlight and being told to sleep.

We are so excited to have these boards as an interactive part of our park. If you’re ever in Kensington, be sure to stop at McPherson Square Park and Library to check out our community's Story Trail!