Girl Scouts install Little Free Library at Downes Elementary

Students at Downes Elementary School now have better access to books, thanks to a local Girl Scout troop.

Troop 127, which meets at Downes, was looking for a way to spend its cookie sales money. At the suggestion of school librarian Abigail Coutts, the girls decided to buy and install a Little Free Library in front of the school.

“It's an opportunity for every single kid in this school and anyone in the community to have a book,” third-grader Peggy Suminski explained.

Another Scout agreed.

“Since our school is in a neighborhood area, if you're just taking a walk around, you don't have to go to the library to get a book, you can come down here,” said Melissa McMillan, also in third grade.

Fourth-grade Scout Christa Barefoot said she is excited because “after school, I can get a book.”

Little Free Libraries are small boxes, often reminiscent of a birdhouse, mounted on posts. People are free to borrow books as they wish, with no library cards or other registration necessary, and visitors are encouraged to donate books to the Little Free Library as well. There are several dozen around Newark, located in public parks, outside businesses and churches and in people's front yards.

The one at Downes was decorated by art teacher Jennifer Campion, who painted it with the school's shark mascot. The Girl Scouts added their own touch by decorating tiles that were installed as a base on the ground.

Troop leader Allie Suminski said she hopes the Little Free Library benefits Downes students for years to come.

“I hope that it's a huge impact,” Suminski said. “Every time we come here, we keep having to fill it back up, so I know that it's working and that kids are taking books from it and are enjoying it. I hope that kids are running out and grabbing a book before they go get on the bus.”

She and her family love Little Free Libraries, she added.

“We have one in front of our house, and we stock them up all around town,” she said.

The Little Free Library is the second recent Girl Scout project to benefit students at Downes. Troop 778 donated a Buddy Bench, meant to promote friendship and ensure that every student has a place to feel welcomed and supported.