From staff reports
Rebecca Lander of Knox has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her “Tiny Libraries” project.
Lander, the daughter of Russ and Julie Lander, placed three “tiny libraries” at Wolf’s Camping Resort, Peanut Park and the Clarion YMCA.
A press release from the Girl Scouts said the libraries are in place to help others learn the importance of reading and education and that reading can begin at any age.
The release also said Lander wants everyone “to visit the libraries and to hopefully find a genre of book that they enjoy or have never read before.”
Lander is a Keystone High School graduate and has served in a leadership position in school clubs and organizations. She is currently a student at Clarion University and is studying environmental biology.
She was supported in her Gold Award effort by her parents and other family members, project advisor Lauren Tharan, Scout leader Vicki Miller, the Knox Civic Club, Wolf’s Campground and the staff at the Clarion YMCA. A community member also donated books.
Lynne Fugate, chief executive officer of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, said Lander “saw a need and took action. Her extraordinary dedication, perseverance and leadership is making the world a better place.”
Girl Scouts are served in western Pennsylvania by the Girl Scout Council of Western Pennsylvania. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, interested people can call 1-800-248-3355 or visit gswpa.org.