Today, were it not for the coronavirus and the numerous closings and cancellations left in its wake, members of Troop 6310 would be hosting an event for younger children at the Oakton Library (shown above in pre-coronavirus times). This event was to be the culmination of months of effort to bring books to those who need them the most, and to share the girls’ love of reading with others.
Troop members had planned a book drive to collect donations for Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter, which operates under the umbrella of Shelter House, and for Better World Books. Girls from the troop had recently visited Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter to deliver its annual donations of toiletries and other needed supplies. They were happy to learn that the shelter and Better World Books could accept used as well as new books.
The girls from Troop 6310 attend two different schools. One school was chosen for the book drive (since the other school had recently held a book drive for another purpose). Permission was secured from the school principal, collection bins stood ready, and plans were made for who would retrieve and sort the books. Girls from the other school contributed by creating the posters shown below.
For the library event, girls eagerly volunteered for committees. Parents were even startled by their enthusiam. The committees included communications, activities, and decorations and costumes. Space was secured to hold the event on the afternoon of May 9. The activities would include reading out loud some of the girls’ favorite picture books, with a theme of the empowerment of girls (and boys).
We learned the intricacies of how the books the girls read could be donated to the libary afterward. (New books with copies already in the collection could be donated. If the county library system didn’t already carry that title, the donation would need to go through the Library Foundation, which—we never knew!—has a link on the library’s homepage. Used books would go to the library’s used book sale.)
The book drive and library event were not to be. Instead of being filled with children, light, and laughter, the library is dark, empty, and locked. But through this Coronavirus Chronicles website, the girls are finding another way to share their love of books and to empower others. They still hope to earn their Bronze Awards through their efforts. They are learning—and teaching—resourcefulness and resilience. Girl Scouts will always find a way!
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