Christiana residents and library patrons now have a place to rest and read thanks to the efforts of Sawyer Johnson, who built and installed two benches at the Moores Memorial Library in Christiana as part of his Eagle Scout service project.

Sawyer, a member of Atglen Boy Scout Troop 20, completed the construction work on a weekend last October, along with the help of family members, friends and fellow troop members.

"The library told me that a week or two after the benches were installed, they were used on (Halloween)," Sawyer shared. "Parents were able to sit down and watch their kids trick-or-treat, so the benches are already being used."

Because people can borrow a library book or purchase one from the Read Moore Bookstore, Sawyer added, the benches are also an ideal spot for reading.

In addition to the benches, the project included the installation of fencing in the library parking lot. The fence was placed near the entrance of the library to make the area safer since people often use it as a shortcut into the library.

"The adults built the fence because it required drilling and cutting," Sawyer explained. "The Scouts did the benches. We bought the lumber and the frames to make the benches but assembled them and installed them ourselves." Sawyer was able to purchase the fencing at a discount from Integrous Fences and Decks in Gap.

The Scouts anchored the benches into cement pavers at the library to make them secure. "We used plastic lumber so it would not require as much upkeep with wear and rotting," said Sawyer.

"The benches are made from recycled plastic," added Sawyer's father, Steve Johnson. "You see it on decks and outdoor patios. It doesn't require any painting."

In order to raise the $1,600 needed to complete the project, Sawyer held a book and DVD sale last May at the library. Sawyer obtained the sale items from a great-uncle, who had passed away and left a massive collection that included more than 4,000 DVDs and thousands of books.

Sawyer raised $1,000 at the sale and obtained the rest of the money from family members and friends.

Leftover books and DVDs were donated to other organizations. "Someone we knew offered to take them and distribute them among a variety of libraries and other places throughout several counties, so they found a home," Steve noted.

Sawyer said that he learned a lot about construction while completing the project and credited his fellow Scouts for their hard work. "We ran into a speed bump when we were putting the first bench together, but (for the second bench) we found a way to make the holes in the lumber line up and fit together perfectly," he stated, adding, "When it comes to working on a project, our troop is good at getting the job done."

Sawyer, 15, who is a homeschooled student, has several more merit badges and rank requirements to complete before earning Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in Boy Scouting. "When I do my Eagle board of review with the Chester County Boy Scout Council, I have to present an Eagle binder of my project and everything I did," he said. "I'm hoping to get Eagle before I turn 16."