New Lebanon — Daisy Gail, a dedicated student at the New Lebanon Central School District, has taken the initiative to enrich the community by installing little free libraries throughout the school district.
Inspired to make a meaningful impact, Daisy embarked on the project as part of her Silver Award in Girl Scouts. “I wanted to do a meaningful idea that would really impact the community positively,” Daisy said. “I have always enjoyed little free libraries and thought if our town had a few, it would make it a better community.”
The journey was not without its challenges. Although Daisy didn’t have to build the libraries from scratch—a community member had started three little free libraries before COVID-19 hit—they required some work. “They needed shingles, primer, a paint job, signage, hardware, and installation. It was a long, tedious process,” she explained.
Installing the libraries proved to be the most demanding task. “The library in particular was super hard,” Daisy recounted. “I had to dig a deep, skinny hole by hand and then add cement while keeping it at the exact measurements.”
The three libraries are located at the New Lebanon Library, the New Lebanon Post Office, and the Walter B. Howard Elementary School.
Now fully installed, the libraries are ready to serve the community. Daisy hopes to stock the WBH little free library with fun, child-appropriate books and provide a variety of genres for all types of readers at the other two locations. “What reading means to me is creativity, inspiration, intelligence, and a way to escape from reality into another world,” she shared.
Superintendent Harper expressed admiration for Daisy’s dedication and creativity. “We are incredibly impressed with Daisy’s efforts. Her initiative not only promotes reading but also brings the community together,” he said.
Community members looking to support Daisy’s initiative can do so easily. “If someone wants to donate, they can simply bring books to the boxes and add as many as they would like and take as many as they would like as well,” Daisy said.
Daisy’s project embodies the spirit of community engagement and the love of reading. Her efforts have already begun to make a positive impact, encouraging others to read and share books within the community.
