BOWLING GREEN, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW) – The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the addition of Storybook Trails at three northwest Ohio rest areas, aimed at inspiring children to read while staying active.

Families visiting the Welcome Center in Wood County on I-75 southbound, and rest areas in Wyandot County on U.S. 30 eastbound and westbound, can now enjoy reading a Dolly Parton Imagination Library book along the trails. These Storybook Trails promote literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and a connection with nature for travelers taking a break on their journey.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine has been a strong advocate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, which provided books to over 409,000 Ohio children from birth to age five in August. The Storybook Trails offer easy instructions for Ohio families to sign up for the program at no cost.

“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. “Rest areas provide a great space to let kids burn off some energy and learn at the same time.”

To further promote literacy, free children’s books are now available at the Wood County I-75 southbound rest area and Welcome Center south of Bowling Green, as well as at both the eastbound and westbound U.S. 30 parks east of Upper Sandusky. These books were donated by ODOT employees 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.

The Wood County Welcome Center features a new paved dog walking path, additional picnic areas, and the book “Milo’s Hat Trick” by Jon Agee. The Wyandot County rest areas feature “Violet the Pilot” by Steve Breen and “Dandelion Magic” by Darren Farrell.

Rest areas in northwest Ohio and across the state are also receiving enhancements, including perennial plants, Ohio buckeye trees, music from Ohio artists, and tourist information about local attractions.

Storybook Trails can also be found in nearly two dozen Ohio state parks.

For more information about Storybook Trails and Ohio’s rest area plan, visit the ODOT website.