Girl Scout Project Benefits Local Library

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., recently was the recipient of  a family workstation for the adult computer area created by a local Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Sarah Kline, of Troop 60041, Montoursville, designed and built the project as part of her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts. Kline saw this type of desk online at other libraries, but noticed that none of the libraries in the Lycoming County Library System had a family workstation.

Kline was assisted by 15 people who helped her plan, work on the design concept, and do the construction. She also partnered with the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Women in Construction Program and used the college’s Maker Space for assistance with creating the blueprints and the construction process.

“I learned teamwork, leadership and that I needed help when it came to the physical construction,” Kline said, adding that she has more than 85 hours invested in this project. “I saw this need in the community and wanted to help parents or caregivers who may need to use a computer as they apply for jobs but don’t always have childcare.”

Her mother, Tina, said this was a family project that received additional support from the troop. She added that Sarah could purchase materials for the project thanks to proceeds from the troop’s cookie sales over the past few years, and additional fundraising, which totaled nearly $1,000.

“Resilite Sports Products, out of Northumberland, donated the wrestling mat material for the bottom of the station,” Tina Kline said.

The project culminated a busy week for Sarah, as she recently graduated from the Class of 2023 from Montoursville Area High School and then installed the workstation the next day at the library.

“This was a generous project and welcome donation to the library,” said Karen Confer, Facilities, Human Resources and Fleet Director at the Brown Library. “To purchase a workstation like this from a library vendor would have cost $5,500.”

The James V. Brown Library is open for browsing and holds pick up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. The library also is open for public computer usage and for services such as printing, faxing, copying and scanning. Walk-in passport services are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. The library has more than 225,000 visitors in a year and circulates a half-million items annually. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.

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