MONACA, PA (June 24, 2024) — The Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC) will launch their first Free Little Library program on Thursday, June 27th at 6 PM est with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Monaca Riverfront Park (600 Atlantic Ave, Monaca, PA 15061).

 

“We believe that Beaver County children and youth deserve access to high-quality, age-appropriate education about the environment in order to thrive in the world they’re growing up in. This is why our Free Little Library program will focus on Environmental Education,” said Hilary Starcher- O’Toole, Executive Director of BCMAC.

 

The book-sharing box was created by Tyler Tournay of Hopewell Township with recycled materials and without the use of plastics. It will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day and is freely accessible to all, removing barriers to book access. “The Borough of Monaca was excited to host BCMAC’s first Free Little Library program at our riverfront playground. Having been recognized as a Gold Level Community by Sustainable Pittsburgh, our neighborhood fits perfectly with BCMAC’s vision to educate adolescents about their impact on the environment.  We look forward to supporting the youth who patronize our park and this library for years to come,” said Dave Kramer, Borough Manager of Monaca.

 

A fellow non-profit, Progress Thru Pages (PTP), donated the first round of books to the library. “Research shows that if a child chooses a book, they are likely to read it. The books we donated to BCMAC were chosen because they focused on nature and ecosystems illustrating the critical inter connectivity of our natural world and the action or inaction of people. We are pleased to partner with BCMAC in promoting literacy surrounding  the environment,” said Michele Knoll, Director of PTP.

 

BCMAC is still accepting donations to buy books and construct additional Free Little Library programs throughout Beaver County.