A LITTLE PROJECT WITH A BIG IMPACT

SOTV'S NEW LITTLE FREE LIBRARY 
Written by 9th Grade Confirmation Students, Brynn, Margo, Priyanka, Macey, Bella, Morgan, Carli, Emily, and Miles

A Little Free Library now sits on the grounds of Shepherd of the Valley, a project that was recently completed by the 9th Grade Confirmation class led by Rose Bentley. Rose had attended a District 196 Faith Community meeting where she heard about the ongoing struggle to encourage reading for fun and the need for support around literacy. The Children, Youth, and Family team began thinking about how SOTV could help. Rose collaborated with two other CYF staff, Kelsey Young and Katie Strand, to brainstorm how we could go about creating a Little Free Library during 9th Grade Confirmation. Rose shared she was nervous about the starting the project at first because it was a lot of planning up front, but was pleased with how students jumped in right away to contribute, and due to the success of this group project, Rose plans to integrate group projects into future Confirmation classes.  

This project gave the 9th Grade Confirmation students the opportunity to collaborate with adult leaders in the church, such as Communications Manager, Lisamarie Odeen, SOTV Church Council member, Melissa Taphorn, the Facilities Manager, Don Dawson, and a member of the Woodworking Team, Steve Varpness, who designed, built the Little Free Library, and guided students on sanding, painting, and assembling the library. Steve has been involved with woodworking since he was about 12 years old and has helped with other building needs around the church as well, such as a riser for the drum kit in the Sanctuary. He said he thinks the impact of the Little Free Library project will be huge because he sees how much the students care about it. Steve shared, “They have been very sincere with their work and have put a lot of thought into it.”  

Check out the Little Free Library located at the north side entrance to the parking lot next time you are at SOTV - you might find your next favorite book. 

Students unveiled and blessed the Little Free Library on April 30 and the library is now fully functional and ready for use!

“I hope this project helps people recognize that youth can do amazing things.
Projects like this put feet to our faith and help students to live out what they are learning
in Confirmation. THIS is why the sacraments still matter today!”

Rose Bentley, Youth Ministry Director, SOTV