New Little Library

Miles and his scout master with the new Little Library.

Miles knew he wanted his project to involve construction. We had a Little Library for three years, but the structure needed updating, and often the two small shelves were overflowing. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to build something to meet a community need. He visited RNH to take some measurements and drew up a new design for the library himself. His Scout Master, Michel Tambwe helped him finalize the design. Then on November 2nd, Miles and his fellow troop members came together to build the library. Younger troop members raked leaves and sorted books they collected for a book drive for the project. Older students helped Miles cut materials and assemble the new library. By the end of the day, community members now had a bigger and sturdier library to exchange books. 

Miles with his Troop Members at RNH on November 2nd

If you’ve walked by Riverdale Neighborhood House in the past couple months, you might have noticed a new Little Library. Right on our front lawn, this three shelf structure allows anyone in the community to drop off a book or take a book to read themselves. Riverdale Neighborhood House started as a lending library for the community all the way back in 1872, so the Little Library is a nice connection to our history. 

Miles McGee, a member of Troop 240, rebuilt our Little Library as part of his Eagle Scout Project this past fall. He’s been a member of Boy Scouts since he was in fifth grade. In order to be an Eagle Scout, Miles had to complete an independent project. The only guidelines were that this project had to help his community and have a lasting impact.

Miles constructing the Little Library.

Miles shared that he had a lot of fun building the library and that he was able to see the impact on the community almost immediately. People have shared posts on social media with books they have picked up from the library and on any given day, you can find community members stopping by and browsing the selection.

Make sure you stop by the little library to give and take a book for yourself! Maybe you’ll pick up a new favorite…