Thanks to Adam Blankenmyer, a Boy Scout with Troop 154 and a junior at Warwick High School, the Lititz Public Library now has a few new picnic tables on the lawn where students can sit when being read to or doing crafts and other activities. Blankenmyer built the tables, with the help of other troop members and their families, to complete his Eagle Scout project. He presented them to the library at an outdoor event on Dec. 5.

Terry Duffin, the Scoutmaster for Troop 154, which meets at the Lititz Church of the Brethren, suggested the project to Blankenmyer after passing the library in the fall of 2020. "I was looking for my Eagle Scout project idea, and I knew we had helped out the library before by moving books for the Friends of the Library book sale," said Blankenmyer. When Duffin drove by the library, he saw staff members reading to children outside with all the students sitting in the grass. Duffin soon suggested to Blankenmyer that picnic tables might be appreciated.

The project was up Blankenmyer's alley. "I like to do hands-on stuff," he said. Blankenmyer hunted online for a design for the tables, and he and his father purchased the wood and other materials and pre-cut the pieces. On Nov. 14, Blankenmyer oversaw a group that gathered at his home to assemble the three picnic tables. Once the tables were complete, the group moved them to the library at 651 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz.

Blankenmyer had raised the funds for the materials to construct the tables from Scout fundraisers he had participated in over the years. "I had money in my Scout account saved up to cover the project," said Blankenmyer, who noted he still needs to complete some paperwork before he will receive his Eagle Scout award.

Library director Ryan McCrory, who was present when the tables were given to the library, was pleased with the donation. "I think the tables are a wonderful addition to our outside area. It was such a thoughtful gesture on the part of Adam." McCrory explained that the library had moved story time presentations outdoors to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. "There has been increased patron activity on the library grounds," said McCrory. "To recognize a need for seating, develop a plan to solve it, and offer his project to the library, I think Adam has exhibited exactly the kind of community-focused and others-centered attitude that is in great need."

Eagle Scout projects focus on developing skills in organization and leadership, while serving the community. Planning and communication skills are key to a Scout accomplishing this task. McCrory recognized Blankenmyer's accomplishment in these areas. "I think it is a project of which Adam can be proud," said McCrory. "We are very pleased with the project and Adam's thoughtfulness," he added. "We have been discussing a greater focus on our outside area, and Adam's tables are a great step in that direction."