Families strolling through downtown Grants Pass this summer have likely noticed something whimsical in the windows of local businesses: pages of a children’s story coming to life one storefront at a time. It’s all part of the 2025 Pop-Up Storybook Walk, a seasonal tradition brought to life by the Josephine Community Library District. But those who haven’t experienced it yet will need to act fast—this week marks the final chance to catch the interactive storytelling event in Grants Pass before it moves on to other towns across Josephine County for the rest of the summer.
The Pop-Up Storybook Walk is designed to combine reading with outdoor exploration, encouraging children and families to engage with literacy while supporting local businesses. By following along with the pages displayed in various shop windows throughout the downtown area, visitors can read an entire children’s book in sequence as they stroll from location to location.
This year’s featured character is Dragon Jr., a playful guide who leads participants through a scavenger-style journey across downtown Grants Pass. Kids are invited to follow clues, solve riddles, and enjoy the adventure of piecing together the story—all while discovering new businesses and community spaces.
The journey begins at the Grants Pass Welcome Center, where families can pick up a printed map of the storybook locations. As an added bonus, young readers will also receive an exclusive dragon-themed sticker, making the experience even more memorable. For those preferring a digital option, the story map is also available on the Josephine Community Library’s website.
The program has drawn praise for its creativity and impact, as it encourages reading in an interactive setting and brings foot traffic to local businesses. The participating locations span a wide range of downtown favorites, with more than a dozen establishments joining the effort to make reading fun and visible in the heart of the city. From quaint bakeries to antique shops and art galleries, the Storybook Walk touches many corners of the downtown district.
Some of the featured participants in this year’s event include G.G. Sugarplum’s Bakeshop, Mystic Valley Farm & Tea Shop, The Kitchen Company, Rogue Florist & Gifts, Plaza Sewing & Vac Center, Elegance Antiques, and the Grants Pass Museum of Art, among others. Each location contributes not just a page of the story, but a chance for residents and visitors alike to rediscover the charm of local businesses through a literary lens.
Although the Storybook Walk is coming to a close in Grants Pass, it’s not the end of the road. The traveling exhibit will soon make its way to other communities within Josephine County, giving residents outside the city center a chance to join in the summer reading adventure. The program will continue through the rest of the season, making stops in rural areas and other city centers, promoting both early childhood literacy and civic engagement across the region.
Events like the Storybook Walk reflect the library’s broader mission to bring literacy into public spaces and strengthen community ties. By transforming ordinary walks into interactive literary experiences, the library district not only nurtures a love of reading but also reminds residents of the vibrant small businesses that make up the fabric of the community.
As the summer heats up and families look for creative ways to stay active and engaged, the Storybook Walk offers a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and community spirit. But for Grants Pass locals, the window to experience it right in their own downtown is closing quickly.
Those wishing to participate should head to the Welcome Center without delay to grab a map, enjoy a stroll through storybook pages, and take one last journey with Dragon Jr. before the story moves on.