Selena Pentengill, age 6, of Raymond, helped with the little free library project, donating some books of her own for her peers to read. She is a Girl Scout Daisy for Troop 10427. (Photo courtesy of Christine Bailey) 
Back from left: Girl Scout Cadette Abigail Bailey, age 13, and Girl Scouts Troop 10427 Head Leader Christine Bailey. Front from left: Girl Scout Daisey Olivia Bailey, age 5, and Girl Scout Cadette Emma Bailey, age 11. The four are all Raymond residents. (Photo courtesy of Christine Bailey) 
Autumn Merrill, age 6, of Raymond, is a Daisy Girl Scout for Troop 10427 and helped complete the little free library project, donating books for her peers as well. (Photo courtesy of Christine Bailey) 
Junior Girl Scout Hailey Downs, age 10, of Candia, donated several books to the little free library she and her troop installed at Lamprey River Elementary School. (Photo courtesy of Christine Bailey)
RAYMOND — A local girl scouts group installed a little free library at Lamprey River Elementary School to give Raymond students more reading options during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The little free library was installed on Saturday, Sept. 19 by the entire Girl Scout Troop 10427 as a way to give back to the community. The troop is made of girls from ages 5 to 13 years old who live in Raymond and other surrounding towns.
The girls chose to build the little free library at LRES as a way to say thank you to the community and the school, which is where they normally hold their meetings.
“As a teacher myself I know how critical reading is at all stages of life,” said Christine Bailey, who serves as the troop’s leader. “The girls thought this was a great way to say thank you to both the community and the school they hold so dear in their hearts. The results couldn’t have made us happier. The girls’ smiles say it all.”
The little free library allows students to take a book or leave one behind. Along with the structure itself, many of the girls also donated books to stock the library.
“We are thrilled to receive this incredible gift from Troop 10427, which includes some of our own students,” Principal Laura Yacek said. “This is a great way for students to pick up new reading materials and share some of their favorite books with their peers as well.”
“We are lucky to have such a strong, supportive community,” Superintendent Tina McCoy said. “Thank you to the girls in Troop 10427 for completing this incredibly kind project for us. We are honored to have been chosen as the recipient.”
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