Boone County families with young children will get a free, hands-on literacy experience when "Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites" opens in August 2026 at the Hebron Branch of the Boone County Public Library.

The 500-square-foot traveling exhibit transforms three classic picture books into walk-through environments where kids can listen to stories, touch interactive displays and play their way toward kindergarten-readiness skills. The three books brought to life are "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter, "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats and "Where's Spot?" by Eric Hill.

A grant from The Andrew Jergens Foundation, a Cincinnati-based philanthropy focused on children from birth to age 6, is funding the exhibit, the Boone County Public Library Foundation announced Sunday, July 19.

"We are grateful to The Andrew Jergens Foundation for investing in early literacy and helping create a space where families can learn and explore together," said Pat Raverty, president of the Boone County Public Library Foundation.

Storyland will run through Sunday, January 3, 2027, and will be open during regular Hebron Branch hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. No tickets or registration are required.

Beyond the three storybook rooms, the exhibit includes an entryway feature, a sub-entrance with an interactive touchscreen and a WordPlay station with hands-on literacy activities. Each environment has an audio component so visitors can hear portions of the story as they explore.

The Hebron Branch, at 1863 North Bend Road, was chosen because it has the physical space for an exhibit of this size and serves a growing community in southern Boone County, according to library officials. It is the first traveling exhibit of this scale presented at the branch, the library said.

Carrie Herrmann, executive director of Boone County Public Library, said Storyland gives families the chance to learn together through play, conversation and shared reading before children enter a classroom.

The exhibit was produced by the Minnesota Children's Museum and targets children from birth through age 8.

Upcoming community events

  • Thursday, July 23 — River City Puppets, Family Fun Night, Boone Woods Park Amphitheater, 7–7:45 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 30 — Cincinnati Shakespeare, Family Fun Night, Boone Woods Park Amphitheater, 7–7:45 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 8 — Tom the Torpedoes (Tom Petty cover band), Summer Concert Series, Boone Woods Park Amphitheater, 7–8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 23 — Boone Woods Arts & Craft Show, Boone Woods Park, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • August 2026 — Storyland exhibit opens, Hebron Branch, Boone County Public Library, 1863 North Bend Road, free