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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><img width="216" height="72" style="width:2.25in;height:.75in" id="Picture_x0020_7" src="cid:image001.png@01D99EA8.07B24C00" alt="Alternate text"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#385723"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#385723">Discover Page-Turning Adventure at ODNR’s Storytime in the Parks Ohio State Parks are working with local libraries
to combine the love of nature and reading.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">The excitement and adventure of reading will jump from the pages and into real life through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Storytime in the Parks. This
series of events will be hosted in state parks all around Ohio through a partnership with the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft, the State Library of Ohio, and local libraries.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Storytime in the Parks events pair librarians who read stories to participants with naturalists who carry out the theme of the story with hands-on, interactive programming.
This year’s themes include fossils, birds of prey, amphibians, hiking, reptiles, animal track identification, pond and creek exploration, and tree identification.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">“Our state parks are not only a gateway to the great outdoors but also the perfect backdrop to make learning fun,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We are delighted to
partner with librarians for Storytime in the Parks to carryout Governor Mike DeWine’s mission to increase literacy in Ohio.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><img width="271" height="204" style="width:2.824in;height:2.125in" id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D99EA8.07B24C00" alt="A group of people sitting at tables
Description automatically generated with low confidence"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Children gather for Storytime in the Parks at Delaware State Park.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Events will be taking place across the state from now through mid-September. A schedule of Storytime in the Parks events can be found here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Storytime in the Parks has partnered with 11 state parks and 9 different library systems. The goal is to grow the program next year and expand access to more communities
across the state.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">The
<a href="https://library.ohio.gov/">State Library of Ohio</a> played a major role in bringing the new initiative to reality. This enthusiastic partnership, between the naturalists working in the parks and the librarians making connections through events in
their communities, is intended to expand that outreach and raise awareness of Ohio’s natural beauty and resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">“Storytime in the Parks is a great partnership between the State Library, libraries, and parks across the state. The chance for families to be out in nature and participate
in reading activities together combines two great pleasures proven to boost well-being,” State Librarian of Ohio Wendy Knapp said. “The State Library is thrilled to see so many Storytime in the Parks programs being offered this year by our partners at ODNR
and the local libraries and parks.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><img border="0" width="268" height="201" style="width:2.7916in;height:2.0925in" id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D99EA8.07B24C00" alt="A group of people in a forest
Description automatically generated with medium confidence"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Children go creeking in Delaware State Park for Storytime in the Parks.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">ODNR recognizes that reading can foster a love of learning and boost curiosity. This program was formed with the intent of creating a free and memorable experience for
children and families while forming a closer connection between people and public resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/events-calendar?eventType=Storytime">Learn more about Storytime in the Parks</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Storytime in the Parks is part of a collection of reading initiatives around the state. Gov. DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine pioneered the Storybook Trails that are
popping up across Ohio. These are trails lined with panels that display pages from a book, so people can hike and read at the same time. Most of the books featured are from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which First Lady DeWine continues to promote
across the state.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">“We want every Ohio child under the age of 5 to receive a free book in the mail once a month through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio,” First Lady Fran DeWine
said. “I love that ODNR is combining books with nature—through Storybook Trails and Storytime in the Parks—to encourage early childhood literacy!”
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><a href="https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org/">Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft provides exceptional outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education,
and conservation of Ohio’s 75 state parks and waterways.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.
<a href="https://ohiodnr.gov/">Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">For more information, contact:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Andy Chow, ODNR Office of Communications<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Media Line: 614-265-6860<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Mobile: 614-202-4756<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Marketing & Communications Director<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">State Library of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">614-644-7061<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:marshams@library.ohio.gov">marshams@library.ohio.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">###<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:none"><img border="0" width="96" height="96" style="width:1.0in;height:1.0in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D99EA8.07B24C00"></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">Public Information Officer<br>
Director, Marketing & Communications<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">State Library of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">274 E. 1<sup>st</sup> Avenue<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">Columbus, OH 43201<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002E62;mso-ligatures:none">Tel: 614-644-6875<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://library.ohio.gov/"><span style="color:blue">library.ohio.gov</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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