SNOHOMISH — Members of Girl Scout Troop No. 44528 installed a “Little Free Library” in Pilchuck Park on Monday, June 3.
Troop 44528 consists of six scouts: Hailey, Brooklynn, Natalie, Shelby, Grace and Madi. Each Scout researched and pitched one project idea to their troop to be voted on. After a short deliberation, the troop voted unanimously to pursue the “Little Free Library” as their capstone project.
One of the Scouts, Hailey Hinton, came up with the idea. “I saw one in Snohomish one day in a little neighborhood and thought it was really cool,” Hinton said.
Hinton explained that the library works like an honor system: Take a book and leave a book. In the beginning, each scout will put in a few books. After that, anyone who walks by can take a book. No library card, no money, just free books.
The troop enjoyed practicing and learning how to build the library.
“Building it was fun because we got to use the power tools and to see how it was built and not have to wonder,” said Natalie Snowden, a member of the troop.
The girls took control of the project by getting in contact with the city of Snohomish, picking out what shingles would go on the roof, painting it and of course building it. The girls were also responsible for raising all the money needed to fund the project. “They had it all donated, we didn’t pay for any of this, they raised the money by themselves,” said Gina Hinton, one of the troop leaders.
“Literacy is huge and not everyone has books or resources so hopefully we can serve the community,” said Ashleigh Schultz, a troop leader. She shared one of the perks for this project is the fact that it’s sustainable. Schultz said the girls want to help the community in any way they can.
Because of their project, each scout will be awarded with their Junior Journey Award patch along with their Bronze Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.
Pilchuck Park is at 169 Cypress Ave. If you would like to find a “Little Free Library” near you, go to www.LittleFreeLibrary.org
