Local Scout completes Eagle Project for Library

 

April 21, 2022

Recent visitors to the Lewis County Public Library and Archives will notice the newly renovated outdoor seating area beside the entrance. To achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, Tye Stevens selected the library for a project to improve that space for people to enjoy some quiet time at the bench. "I go to the library every Friday and know the staff really well," stated Tye. "The library is a cool place to hang out."

Tye's plan to add paving stones around an existing bench and add new mulch to the landscaping was highly supported by library director Crystal Nash and her staff. The installation of the existing bench was an Eagle Scout project from a previous year, and the grass in that area had been thinning out due to usage. "With more people visiting the library to access our free Wi-Fi signal, and with temperatures warming up," stated Mrs. Nash, "enhancing that area for library patrons was a wonderful idea."

In addition to providing service and fulfilling the part of the Scout Oath, "to help other people at all times," purposes of the Eagle Scout service project are to learn leadership skills, develop project management skills, and take responsibility for a significant accomplishment. Tye created a plan, gathered materials, rented equipment, and recruited friends and family for help, and spent three weekends in March to complete the project. Tye explained that "when I told them about the Eagle Scout project, the stores were very generous and helped some with expenses," including H & R Ace Hardware in Hohenwald, Home Depot in Spring Hill, and Lowes and Sunbelt Rentals in Columbia.

A study titled "Merit Beyond the Badge," found that Eagle Scouts are more likely to participate in outdoor activities, be goal oriented, contribute to charitable groups, and serve in leadership roles in their community than those that have not achieved that rank. With the completion of this project, Tye Stevens joins a long list of other Eagle Scouts that include such famous people as Neil Armstrong, Bill Gates, Mike Rowe, and Steven Spielberg, among many others.

Aside from cool temperatures and an extra day of work than originally planned, Tye was very "hyped" with the outcome. "The before and after pictures show a big difference," Mr. Stevens stated. "I hope everyone loves using that bench" with the new landscaping. A review of the project will be presented to Scoutmaster Jeff Whaley of Troop 103 in Columbia for official approval.

Library staff were impressed by Tye's effort and happy with the results as well. "This young gentleman was very organized and worked very hard to give our residents a wonderful spot to rest and an area we can use for outdoor library activities," said Mrs. Nash. "We see this as just the beginning of a much larger renovation and expansion planned for the library." At the April 18th County Commission meeting starting at 6:00 p.m., a resolution to provide support from available COVID funds to go toward the library expansion project will come to a vote. Residents are encouraged to attend the open meeting and "wear green" in support of this resolution, so that portions of the construction may begin soon.

 

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