Community Corner

Glen Ellyn Teen Creates Library Series, Pursues Top Girl Scout Award

Working toward the Girl Scouts of America’s highest honor, the Girl Scout Gold Award, Glen Ellyn’s Katie Basset spent the summer running a series of nature classes at the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Basset, a sophomore at Glenbard West, worked with the library’s youth department during the spring to develop a series of exploring art and nature programs, according to a news release from the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

The seven class series invited youths to explore and appreciate nature through activities such as building birdhouses and creating terrarium gardens, according to the library. The series was one of the library’s most popular classes over the summer.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“The library is so important to me and people in our community,” Basset said in the news release. “I loved going there as a child for StoryTime and now, years later, I love going there for 3D printing classes and cooking programs.”

To achieve the Girl Scouts’ highest award, a high-school aged Girl Scout must develop an independent project that will give back to the community, according to the news release. Basset sought to partner with the Glen Ellyn Public Library.

Find out what's happening in Glen Ellynwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I wanted to get kids excited about creating projects that will connect them to nature,” Basset said. “I have always loved gardening and being outdoors. My goals are to share this passion with others, to keep kids interested in the arts and to have them enjoy being outside.”

In addition to creating the summer series, Basset has also planted flowers at the library’s parking lot in memory of former library Business Manager Camille Parat Waddington, added stepping-stones to the Butterfly Garden and will be donating the Senior Girl Scout Guide book in hopes to inspire future generations, library said.

“We cannot thank Katie Basset enough for all the hard work and long hours she has provided this summer,” Library Director Dawn Bussey said in the news release. “Katie’s tireless contributions, optimism for the outdoors and commitment to the community has truly made The Glen Ellyn Public Library a better place.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here