ACPL Unveils Garden-Themed ‘StoryScape’ at Little Turtle Branch in Push for Early Literacy

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) officially opened its newest early childhood learning space on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Little Turtle branch, marking another step forward in the system’s bold initiative to spark early literacy through immersive, play-driven environments.

The new installation, dubbed StoryScape, transforms a portion of the branch into an interactive indoor garden complete with a miniature greenhouse, a child-sized tractor, a potting station, and a market stand. The space is designed to encourage children to read, sing, talk, write — and most importantly — play.

“StoryScape is laying a critical literacy foundation in our community,” said Jacki Fulwood, ACPL’s Youth Services Manager. “For children, learning and play are one and the same.”

A Strategic Investment in Lifelong Learning

The Little Turtle location is the fourth StoryScape installation by ACPL, building on successful launches at the Main Library, Pontiac Branch, and Woodburn Branch. All four have become major draws for families with young children, offering interactive alternatives to traditional library spaces.

The StoryScape initiative is part of ACPL’s 2024–2028 strategic plan, titled Allen County’s Windows to Lifelong Learning and Discovery, which prioritizes early childhood education, community engagement, and accessible literacy programming.

“With each new StoryScape we open, we make our vast collection of children’s materials even more accessible — and fun — for our youngest readers,” Fulwood said.

A Garden of Imagination

The new StoryScape at Little Turtle integrates elements of the branch’s existing identity. The branch already houses ACPL’s Seed Library, which allows patrons to check out free vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. The new literacy space mirrors this gardening theme, creating a miniature ecosystem where children can explore ideas around growing, harvesting, and selling produce — all while engaging in critical early learning behaviors.

Core Features of the Little Turtle StoryScape:

• Miniature Greenhouse – with child-safe tools and colorful plant displays

• Climb-On Tractor – encouraging gross motor skills and imaginative play

• Play Potting Station – for hands-on tactile interaction

• Market Stand – mimicking a farmer’s market for pretend buying/selling

• Soft Seating & Quiet Nooks – to read, rest, or explore books with caregivers

Together, these elements support a curriculum of talk, sing, read, write, and play, the five practices recommended by the Every Child Ready to Read® initiative, a national standard for library-based early literacy development.

Built for the Community, Inspired by Nature

The atmosphere of the space — playful yet purposeful — was custom-designed in consultation with educators, child development specialists, and library professionals. The color palette evokes nature, while textures and shapes were chosen to foster tactile exploration. All materials are safe for young children and easy for caregivers to navigate.

ACPL’s leadership emphasized that StoryScapes aren’t simply play zones — they are carefully curated literacy incubators where young children engage with books and language in deeply interactive ways.

“These spaces are where early literacy takes root,” said Fulwood. “They’re welcoming, stimulating, and above all, built to reflect the communities they serve.”

More StoryScapes on the Horizon

As part of its strategic roadmap, ACPL plans to install StoryScapes in all 14 of its branches. Planning is currently underway for future installations at:

• Grabill

• Monroeville

• Waynedale

Library officials hope to complete these by the end of 2026, pending funding and construction timelines. Each location will feature a unique theme inspired by local community interests and assets, continuing ACPL’s commitment to hyper-local, responsive design.

Current StoryScape Locations

StoryScapes as a Literacy Equalizer

Allen County consistently faces disparities in early childhood readiness, with children from low-income or underserved backgrounds disproportionately entering kindergarten behind their peers. ACPL’s StoryScape initiative is part of a broader attempt to level the playing field by providing free, barrier-free early learning opportunities.

“Public libraries remain one of the few places where learning is completely free and accessible,” said Fulwood. “These spaces are our way of saying: every child deserves a bright start, no matter their zip code.”

Access to StoryScapes is free and open to all, during regular library hours. No appointments, reservations, or library cards are required to use the space.

A Community Investment That Lasts

Since its inception, the StoryScape initiative has been funded through a combination of county allocations, grants, and philanthropic support. The Allen County Public Library Foundation has played a major role in rallying donors and community partners to fund each location.

Library leaders say the return on investment is not just measured in numbers — but in stories.

“We see children running to the bookshelves after exploring the tractor. We hear them singing market songs with their parents,” said Fulwood. “These are the literacy moments that matter.”