by Cady Sehnert
news@thenewsleaders.com
On Sept. 2, Girl Scout Troop 714 gathered at the St. Stephen City Hall to unveil a project its members had diligently and dutifully completed over the time span of a few months.
Their project was the construction of a Little Library, a structure that encourages children and adults to take a greater interest in reading. The Little Library concept began years ago in Hudson, Wis. as a way to spark a healthy type of neighborhood discussion and dialogue. The idea has since spread across the country, now making its way into several central Minnesota cities and rural areas. Troop 714, comprised of five girls, all of whom attend Sartell Middle School, decided to enrich the city they love by building a Little Library of their own.
In their overview of the project, the girls discussed both the difficulties they encountered and the skills they acquired.
“We were able to work together as a group and learn communication skills,” troop member Lauren Sip said during Wednesday night’s presentation. “We learned how to use power tools. Finding a paint color was the easiest, most fun step.”
The other girls echoed Lauren’s sentiments, describing their own favorite aspects of the project.
The total cost of the library amounted to a mere $56.72. Both city council members and spectators in the audience praised the girls for their thoughtful planning and monetary discipline. In their final remarks, troop members and leaders stated the finishing step in their project was to decide upon a location for the library. After a brief discussion, the council concurred the library should be placed at St. Stephen City Hall. Both troop members and leaders agreed that this would make for a suitable location.
“Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to this project,” said council member Danita Traut in closing. “I think it looks awesome; you girls did a great job.”
Visit the St. Stephen City Hall at 2 Sixth Avenue SE to sit back, peruse the Little Library and perhaps find something interesting to read.
Troop 714’s Little Library will be placed at the St. Stephen City Hall. It includes literature for children, teens and adults.
Girl Scout Troop 714 smile for the cameras as they present their Little Library before the St. Stephen City Council. (pictured from left to right) are Dana Justin, Alyssa Gehrke, Rachel Klehr, Meleah Myhrwold and Lauren Sip.
