Aspiring Eagle Scout’s project unveiled at West Knoxville housing community

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ( WATE ) — A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday at a West Knoxville housing community for a book-sharing box that is part of an Eagle Scout project.

The Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC) cut the ribbon on a new Little Free Library and picnic area for residents at the Nature’s Cove housing complex on Bakertown Road. A local Boy Scout, Grayson Rosenblad, is earning his Eagle Scout rank with the project.

Rosenblad, a scout with Boy Scout Troop 757, was motivated by his love of reading to do the project, and he wanted to offer easy access to books for children and adults while also providing a sitting area for families, according to KCDC.

“When I was a little kid, I always loved reading,” Rosenblad said. “I still love reading now, but you know, not as much time for it as I used to have. I do realize that I am very fortunate. I had easy access to books as a kid, and I know that some people do not have that same fortunate access to books to read… So I thought a Little Library would be a great idea to, you know, bring books to a place that may not have easy access to books. It makes it a lot easier for the kids and a lot easier for the parents.”

Roseblad also shared that what inspired him to bring a Free Little Library to Nature’s Cove was talking with KCDC officials at a health fair and seeing the complex’s sense of community.

Free Little Library is a nonprofit based in Minnesota that encourages community collaborations to bring free book-sharing boxes for readers.

Ceremony partners included KCDC and Boy Scout Troop 757.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.