Sidewalk Poetry in the Streets of Northfield: Library Tour

Abstract

An interactive story map tour of sidewalk poetry throughout one of Minnesota's historic river towns. This story map library tour application shows where various lines of poetry are stamped within the area sidewalks and neighborhoods of Northfield, MN. The tour is also accompanied with pictures and audio clips for map users to view/play back each poem if they desire. To engage, the map user chooses a section from tabs at the top and selects a poem either by numbered tag on the map, or from a thumbnail strip on the bottom. The map then zooms to that location and reveals that poem's panel. Each poem marker was GPS'ed, photographed, and indicated by a stop number which, once clicked, shows the poem's picture, text, and sometimes an audio clip read aloud by a Northfield resident. Essentially the app is used in a guided touring fashion, noting each stop in order on the map. The app itself was produced as part of a project for the Northfield Arts and Culture Commission, but intended for its residents and the public for artistic appreciation and hope to share aspects of the town's culture/values to people regardless of their location. People can explore these poems and let their words resonate with them not only at each stop, but in the comfort of their whereabouts. An average of 9-10 poems are selected each year to be stamped in different neighborhoods around town. Many are placed in the historic downtown area. Other copies are seen in residential neighborhoods. The Sidewalk Poetry Project in Northfield began in 2011 and expresses core missions to celebrate the role of the arts in supporting a high quality of life, enhancing economic vitality, fostering a sense of community, and engaging citizens of all ages, abilities, and interests in making and appreciating the arts.