Girl Scouts of Troop 24708 implemented two little libraries outside of Indian Mills Memorial School and Indian Mills Elementary School.
Little libraries are expected to make a big change in Shamong, courtesy of Girl Scout Troop 24708.
With locations directly outside of Indian Mills Memorial Middle School and Indian Mills Elementary School, all community members are encouraged to take a book and leave a book at the little library stations.
The troop of nine put ideas together to complete a service project to earn a Bronze Award, which is the highest award Junior Girl Scouts can achieve. Grace Yaeger, Amanda Connelly, Madelyn Harned, Keira Sawdy, Genevieve Jenkins, Cheyenne Hopkins, Maggie Carlin, Amelia Dunn and Izzy Desantis gathered to discuss possible projects, and ultimately decided the focus would be on promoting reading in the community.
Since there is no public library in Shamong, the troop decided to create little libraries in areas they know people will frequently have access to.
The discussion began in October 2017, the troop presented its ideas to the board of education for approval in February, and construction began in April. One of the troop dads volunteered to assist in the creation of the libraries, choosing to utilize pressure-treated wood and other materials durable enough to withstand all weather conditions.
Along the side of the little library outside of the elementary school, the troop painted a Dr. Seuss quote that will lend inspiration to all children: “The more you read, the more that you know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Troop 24708 filled the libraries with books on June 27, after Girl Scouts from other local troops donated enough books to fill each of the libraries. They have even volunteered to lend a hand in the maintenance of the libraries by checking on them periodically to ensure they are always fully stocked.
Troop leader Rachel Connelly, along with co-leader Donna Jenkins, worked together to oversee the project from planning to execution.
“This project really gives them some independence and gets them more involved in community service,” Connelly said. “The goal [of the project] is to encourage the kids in the town to love reading and to make books accessible to them.”
Most of the troop members have been together since they were Daisies, including Yaeger and Connelly, who have been troop members for five years.
Yaeger stated, “[As a Girl Scout] I’ve learned to always be kind and about leadership” and that the motive of the little libraries was to make reading fun.
Amanda added, “Reading can help you learn so many things.”
As they cross the bridge and embark on their journeys as Cadets, Troop 24708 members hope their Junior service project leaves a lasting impression in the community.
