Local Eagle Scout Candidate Rebuilds and Installs New Little Libraries for Horicon Parks

The Horicon Phoenix Program LLC is proud to announce the installation of three newly built Little Libraries in Horicon’s Whitty Park, Bowling Green Park and River Bend Park. They were constructed and installed by local Eagle Scout candidate Kaleb Monroe.

For more than a decade, the Horicon Phoenix Program has built and maintained Little Libraries throughout the city’s parks, encouraging literacy, community sharing and family engagement. Over the years, the original wooden structures began to show their age despite repairs and fresh coats of paint. In July, Penny Flaskrud reached out to the Horicon Phoenix Program to share that her son, Kaleb from Boy Scout Troop 760, was ready to begin his Eagle Scout project and hoped to help restore the Little Library network. Horicon Phoenix Program Secretary, Jenni Dettmann, communicated and coordinated with Penny and Kaleb to get the idea turned into reality.

At the time, the Horicon Phoenix Program Board had already discussed the need to replace several aging libraries. While one volunteer had stepped forward to rebuild the library at Discher Park, the organization lacked the budget to replace others. The Program welcomed Kaleb’s offer to take on the libraries at Whitty, Bowling Green and River Bend Parks as his official Eagle Scout project.

By Aug. 31, Kaleb received formal approval from the district advancement coordinator. He personally covered the full cost of all building materials and led the planning, design, and project execution. On Sunday, Sept. 20, Kaleb and a small team of fellow scouts installed the new Little Libraries.

Kaleb was joined by three Scouts who assisted with the physical labor and stocking of the books. Those Scouts are Sylus Valentine, Antonino DiGiorgio and Connor Woock.

Kaleb’s mother, Penny, noted that Eagle Scout projects emphasize leadership, planning and coordination. “The project is really about Kaleb’s leadership,” she explained. “The other boys and volunteers help with the physical labor, but the responsibility, organization and direction come from the Eagle candidate.”

Kaleb’s mom also reached out to the community to collect books to fill the libraries. Many citizens dropped off books at the park while the kids were installing the libraries.

The Horicon Phoenix Program expressed deep appreciation for Kaleb’s contribution. “These Little Libraries have always been a symbol of community connection,” said Executive Director, Christine Schmitz, “Kaleb’s dedication ensures that families in Horicon will continue to enjoy them for many years to come.”

For more information about the Horicon Phoenix Program or upcoming community initiatives, please contact: Horicon Phoenix Program LLC, info@horiconphoenix.com, www.horiconphoenix.com.