OHIO — Ohioans taking a road trip have some new books and trails, available to check out in northwestern Ohio this fall.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Transportation said three northwest Ohio rest areas now have Storybook Trails for kids and their families to explore reading while being active

  • Ohio familes can sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio for free

  • Free children's books are also available at the Wood County southbound I-75 rest area, the Welcome Center south of Bowling Green and at eastbound and westbound U.S. 30 parks to the east of Upper Sandusky

  • Storybook trails can also be found in parks around the Buckeye State

The Ohio Department of Transportation said three northwest Ohio rest areas now have Storybook Trails for kids and their families to explore reading while being active. The books come from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which has provided more than 409,000 Ohio children with books this past August. Children receive the books from birth to 5 years old. 

Ohio familes can sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio for free.

In Wood County, one trail has been created at the Welcome Center on I-75 southbound featuring "Milo's Hat Trick" by Jon Agee. The rest stop also has a newly paved dog walking path and additional picnic areas.

The two remaining trails are in rest areas along U.S. 30 eastbound and westbound in Wyandot Countyy, featuring the books "Violet the Pilot" by Steve Breen and "Dandelion Magic" by Darren Farrell.

“Mike and I love reading Imagination Library books with our grandkids, and we hope the Storybook Trails at our rest areas inspire more families to read together during their travels,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine in a news release. “Rest areas provide a great space to let kids burn off some energy and learn at the same time.” 

Free children's books are also available at the Wood County southbound I-75 rest area, the Welcome Center south of Bowling Green and at eastbound and westbound U.S. 30 parks to the east of Upper Sandusky. ODOT employees donated the books during a recent book drive.

"Our hope is that kids will come to the parks, enjoy the Storybook Trails, and take a book with them," said Pat McColley, ODOT District 2 deputy director in a news release.

Storybook trails can also be found in parks around the Buckeye State. To find one near you, click here.