Vandalism cited as main reason for stopping
The Mexico-Audrain County Library District said it was sad to announce that the Vandalia Book Walk in Tri-County Park has been vandalized yet again, and unfortunately it will be permanently discontinued.
“We don’t feel that we can continue to ask local organizations, volunteers, and staff members to invest time and money to continue to replace damaged items for the book walk,” the library said in a news release.
The Book Walk started in July 2020. From the beginning there was minor vandalism but recently it has been escalating.
A few individuals and local organizations, most notably The Vandalia Rotary Club, have supported and contributed to it.
Vandalia Library branch staff member, Ruth Nation, has done a great deal of work to provide this family-friendly activity for the community.
“This has been a wonderful program for the citizens of Vandalia and we are sad to see it end. Thank you to all of the individuals, local organizations, volunteers, and staff members who have supported it over the years,” the library said.
For the Book Walk, pages of children’s books were placed on wooden boards attached to posts along the walking trail around the Tri-County Park.
The library staff would periodically update the story along the trail.