Little Free Library Now Located at SIUE’s Early Childhood Center
Take the notion that there can never be too much access to books, add to it an industrious want-to-be Eagle Scout, throw in the benefit of contributing to little minds and the result is a Little Free Library at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Early Childhood Center (ECC).
“I wanted to have a positive influence on the minds of children,” said 17-year-old Christopher Green-Williams, Jr., of the Edwardsville Boy Scout Troop #72 and son of ECC Parent Support Specialist Lealia Williams.
Green-Williams and members of his troop built the library on Saturday, Feb. 4. It was installed on Friday, Feb. 10. The books were donated by Ready Readers.
“Having our own Little Free Library is a great opportunity to get more books into the hands of kiddos and their families,” said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs MacLean. “Some of our families do not have a lot of extra money to spend on books. So, this is one way to help with that.”
“I enjoyed helping to build the library, and so did the other volunteers,” said Green-Williams, sporting his sash with 70 badges.
Other volunteers included: James Williams, Dylan Martens, Aiden Gallagher, Nick Anderson, Michael Anderson, Nick Anderson, Teddy Rayman, Jazmin Hayes, Joslyn Hayes, Jaimee Hayes, Aaron Hayes and Greyson Gallagher.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank a young person can reach in Scouting. The rank requirements for Eagle Scout are to be active in your troop for at least six months and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, 14 of which are required to receive Eagle ranking.
Green-Williams, who has been a Boy Scout since the age of 5 and is a senior at Edwardsville High School, is now eligible to become an Eagle Scout.
“I’m proud of his dedication to the Scouts,” said Williams, his mother and former Girl Scout. “We share a commitment to helping people and serving our community.”
Donations of gently used or new books will be accepted at the ECC.
Photos:
Edwardsville Boy Scout Christopher Green-Williams, Jr. and volunteers construct a Little Free Library at SIUE’s Early Childhood Center (ECC). (L-R): Nick Anderson, Green-Williams, Aiden Gallagher, James Williams, Dylan Martens, Teddy Rayman and Michael Anderson.
(L-R): ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs MacLean, ECC Parent Support Specialist Lealia Williams and Green-Williams.
