A local Boy Scout has provided a Little Free Library and seating area for residents at Nature’s Cove, a housing community for families owned by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC).
Boy Scout Grayson Rosenblad installed a Little Free Library at KCDC’s Nature’s Cove affordable housing community as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Grayson Rosenblad of Boy Scout Troop 757 officially unveiled the library and two picnic tables with a ribbon cutting on July 17 at the Bakertown Road property as part of a project to become an Eagle Scout.
“We want to thank Grayson for sharing his love of reading and donating his time and efforts to open this Little Free Library,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “We know access to books helps children build early literacy skills, and the seating area will enhance the neighborhood and offer a place for people to gather.”
Representatives with KCDC and Nature’s Cove attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony along with Rosenblad.
“I have always been passionate about reading, so the goal of my project is to offer others, specifically children, the ability to develop the same fondness for books that I’ve had,” Rosenblad said. “I’m hopeful the picnic tables will provide a community space to allow for reading, cookouts or anything that will bring the neighborhood together.”
Rosenblad currently is a Life Scout and is working toward earning his Eagle Scout rank, which requires that he complete a comprehensive service project in the community, earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate leadership and proficiency in outdoor skills. Rosenblad said he’s been active in the Boy Scouts since the fifth grade and was a Cub Scout prior to that.
Boy Scout Grayson Rosenblad along with Marisa Moazen from Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and Property Manager Lisa Holbrook officially cut the ribbon on a Little Free Library in the Nature’s Cove affordable housing community on July 17. Rosenblad installed the library and seating area as part of his Eagle Scout project.
In addition to Nature’s Cove, KCDC housing communities with Little Libraries include Five Points, Lonsdale Homes, The Vista and Western Heights. KCDC is seeking individual, corporate or organization donors to add Little Libraries at Autumn Landing, Montgomery Village and North Ridge Crossing.
Cagle Terrace and Northgate Terrace, KCDC properties serving the elderly and disabled, maintain indoor libraries and are in need of donations and assistance in maintaining those larger collections. Book donations may be dropped off at 901 N. Broadway in Knoxville. Inquiries may be directed to [email protected].