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Tales & Trails

Connecting our Community through Storytelling

Middlesex County is now home to eight storytelling trails. Tales & Trails sites feature pages from children's storybooks as well as stories from our communities. People of all ages can now experience the power of the storytelling while enjoying the wonders of nature.

This project is managed by Middlesex County Library in partnership with the eight municipalities. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

About Tales & Trails

In June 2022,  Middlesex County Library received a non-repayable contribution of $135,000 from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

With this funding, Middlesex County Library, in partnership with the eight local municipalities, have installed durable storytelling display structures along publicly accessible paths in eight communities across the County. Each site includes one entry sign and twenty storytelling frames, featuring pages of children’s storybooks and, when possible, stories from residents. These trails will allow for people of all ages to experience the power of storytelling while enjoying the wonders of nature.

Entry sign at Ailsa Craig trail

2023 Storytelling Themes

Our themes for 2023 reflect the CCRF priority of encouraging the participation of underrepresented groups, and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities. For the first year, Tales & Trails will focus on sharing stories of diversity, inclusion and belonging based on a variety of themes. Middlesex County Library staff have carefully selected children’s picture books for each theme, wtih four different stories featured at a time. Each book will be showcased at two locations and will be available for viewing for four weeks. When possible, stories from the community will also be featured to correspond with the theme.  Community supports and services will also be highlighted. 

Trail along the water.

Story Submission

For 2023, we are sharing stories that highlight the strength of a diverse community with diverse experiences. Stories that help everyone feel a sense of belonging. Stories of hope, inspiration, strength, resilience and community connection.

We are seeking stories from:

·        Persons new to Canada

·        Indigenous people

·        Individuals who have or are experiencing homelessness

·        Persons who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+

·        Persons with disabilities

·        Persons with a mental illness or addiction

Logo of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Participation in the storytelling is completely voluntary. To be eligible to submit a story, you must be 18 years of age or older or if you under the age of 18, you must obtain consent from a parent/legal guardian.  You also must be a resident of Middlesex County.  In addition, you must review and sign the standard Consent, Release and Indemnity Form. You will not receive compensation for your story.

To submit your story visit the Tales & Trails Storytelling Submission Form.

Find a Trail Near You

Tales & Trail sites have been divided into two sections. Each section will have a site that will feature one of the four storybooks. We hope you consider visiting muliple trails to enjoy.  The first theme of 2023 will be Mental Health; stories will be available in all locations by the week of May 29. 

Section One

Lucan-Biddulph

Walnut Street Walking Path (near the intersection of Walnut Street and Campanale Way in Lucan)

Thank you to the Lucan Optimist Club for their support of this project!


Lucan trail entry

Middlesex Centre

Ilderton Rail Trail (22531 Ilderton Rd, Ilderton) 

Ilderton trail Entry

Thames Centre

Dorchester Community Park (2066 Dorchester Road, Dorchester)

Dorchester Trail Entry

North Middlesex

Lions Park (143 Old Mill St, Ailsa Craig)

Ailsa Craig Trail Entry

Section Two

Adelaide-Metcalfe

Kerwood Ball Park (near the intersection of Adele Street and Kerwood Road in Kerwood)

Kerwood trail Entry 

Newbury

Newbury Ball Park (13 Broadway Street, Newbury)

Newbury Trail entry 

Southwest Middlesex

Strathburn Park (3577 Longwoods Road, Glencoe)

Glencoe Trail entry

Strathroy-Caradoc

Alexandra Park (280 Caradoc Street North, Strathroy)

Alexandria Park trail entrance.

Feedback

What did your family think of the storytelling trail? Do you have ideas for future storytelling themes? Did you notice any damage or vandalism?

 To submit your feedback, comments or suggestions visit the Tales & Trails Feedback Form.

 Through this feedback form. we also invite you to share your email if you want to be entered to win a Prize. We are awarding one prize per community.  Emails will not be used for any other purpose but to notify prize winners.  

FedDev Ontario logo