Candidate for Eagle rank builds Little Libraries
Visitors to two Canton Township parks and the Summit on the Park community recreation center will notice the addition of Little Free Libraries at the sites, thanks to the hard work of Nathan Makins, a 17-year-old Eagle Scout of Troop 1537 of Plymouth.
As a Plymouth High School senior, Makins undertook the challenge as part of his final Eagle Scout project, which included researching and applying for universally accessible blueprint and design plans, fundraising for supplies and book donations, and constructing these tiny structures out of recycled materials.
Makin’s outdoor Little Free Libraries, which were built using weather-resistant materials, can be found in Barchester Park, located between Hanford and Barchester Roads, and on the north side of Heritage Park, behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.
His final library is housed inside the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway. This indoor structure was also placed on wheels, making it a ‘rolling’ library that can be relocated throughout the Summit on the Park at various high-traffic areas.
This indoor unit also features a wooden flower box at the base that will also hold puzzles and games available to use and share. This extra feature is adorned with artwork provided by Harper Hughes, Makins’ 10-year-old cousin, which includes illustrations relating to four well-known books, each representing one of the four seasons.
“The entire project kept me busy for the last few months,” Makins said. “This included planning, fundraising, building, and eventually placing the libraries.” Makins worked closely with Summit staff, as well as his troop, to ensure the appropriate sites were chosen and correct materials used.
“It never was stressful working with the Summit staff on developing the plan for these three Little Free Libraries,” Makins said. “Everyone at the Summit was really supportive and encouraging.”
“Nathan has been an absolute delight to work with,” said Beth Myers, Summit on the Park special events coordinator. “Already, we’ve seen our patrons checking out the new installation, and it’s great to see how Nathan’s Eagle Scout project is removing barriers, encouraging reading, and making a difference in our community.”
Makins thanked his fellow Scout Troop, parents, friends, and relatives – including his cousin Harper Hughes and the Williams Family - for their help in supplying materials and funds to make this project a reality.
Not only will these official Little Free Libraries offer individuals a chance to “Take a Book, Share a Book,” which is the motto of this worldwide book-sharing movement, but their sanctioned ADA design will enable equal access to their contents to all individuals, including those with physical challenges and smaller children.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book exchange boxes. For more information on Little Free Libraries, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
For more information about the new addition of Little Free Libraries in the Canton community, visit www.summitonthepark.org or call (734) 394-5460.
Makin’s outdoor Little Free Libraries, which were built using weather-resistant materials, can be found in Barchester Park, located between Hanford and Barchester Roads, and on the north side of Heritage Park, behind the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road.
His final library is housed inside the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway. This indoor structure was also placed on wheels, making it a ‘rolling’ library that can be relocated throughout the Summit on the Park at various high-traffic areas.
This indoor unit also features a wooden flower box at the base that will also hold puzzles and games available to use and share. This extra feature is adorned with artwork provided by Harper Hughes, Makins’ 10-year-old cousin, which includes illustrations relating to four well-known books, each representing one of the four seasons.
“The entire project kept me busy for the last few months,” Makins said. “This included planning, fundraising, building, and eventually placing the libraries.” Makins worked closely with Summit staff, as well as his troop, to ensure the appropriate sites were chosen and correct materials used.
“It never was stressful working with the Summit staff on developing the plan for these three Little Free Libraries,” Makins said. “Everyone at the Summit was really supportive and encouraging.”
“Nathan has been an absolute delight to work with,” said Beth Myers, Summit on the Park special events coordinator. “Already, we’ve seen our patrons checking out the new installation, and it’s great to see how Nathan’s Eagle Scout project is removing barriers, encouraging reading, and making a difference in our community.”
Makins thanked his fellow Scout Troop, parents, friends, and relatives – including his cousin Harper Hughes and the Williams Family - for their help in supplying materials and funds to make this project a reality.
Not only will these official Little Free Libraries offer individuals a chance to “Take a Book, Share a Book,” which is the motto of this worldwide book-sharing movement, but their sanctioned ADA design will enable equal access to their contents to all individuals, including those with physical challenges and smaller children.
Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Library book exchange boxes. For more information on Little Free Libraries, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
For more information about the new addition of Little Free Libraries in the Canton community, visit www.summitonthepark.org or call (734) 394-5460.
