Posted: October 26, 2023
Eagle Scouts formally unveiled a Little Free Library on October 20, 2023, at the Donohoe Center in Greensburg.
Ribbon cutting (left to right) Karrie and Maria Fetter, Andrew and Mary Niezelski, Jesse Glenn, and Mike Sparks. Photo by Penn State.
The Little Free Library is located at the Donohoe Demonstration Gardens, beside the Children's Pollinator Lane Garden (214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601).
The Little Free Library is a project of Eagle Scout, Jesse Glenn, and his Scout Troop 372. Jesse collaborated with the Westmoreland Pollinator Partners group to identify pollinator gardens that would like to include a Little Free Library for their visitors. The Penn State Master Gardeners knew that the Children's Pollinator Lane at their flagship demonstration gardens located at the Donohoe Center would be a perfect spot for a Little Free Library.
The goal of the library is to collect, distribute, and exchange free books with adults and children of all ages. Those who use the library are encouraged (but not required) to donate when they can, use what is interesting, and return so others can enjoy. To begin, the library will be stocked with horticulture, agriculture, and environmental books, but a wide range of book topics are to be anticipated as donations ramp up. Book donations to the library are always welcome. The library is registered, #174472, and on the map at Little Free Library.
Eagle Scout, Jesse Glenn, and his father, Skip Glenn, installed the library in August. Maria Fetter, a 10th grade student at Greater Latrobe Senior High School and daughter of Master Gardener, Karrie Fetter, painted the floral motif on the exterior of the library.
On Friday, October 20, a ribbon cutting took place to officially unveil the Little Free Library. Words were said by Mandy L. Smith, Master Gardener Coordinator, Mike Sparks, Scout Leader, and Jesse Glenn, Eagle Scout. Master Gardeners Mary and Andrew Niezelski and Karrie Fetter cut the ribbon. They are part of the Children's Pollinator Lane team and are the initial members of the library committee.
"We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to the Donohoe Center to check out the Little Free Library and spend some time sitting and reading near the demonstration gardens," said Mandy L. Smith, Penn State Extension Master Gardener Coordinator. "We hope that the library serves as a resource to community members who are looking to deepen their knowledge of gardening and horticultural topics."
