Girl Scouts unveil "Book Well" mental-health corner for middle school library

A Girl Scout team presented a Silver Award project to the Kings Park Central School District board on Aug. 18, proposing a "Book Well" in the middle school library: a tree-shaped bookshelf and quiet corner stocked with mental-health and wellness books.

The presenters said the project is student-funded and student-built, has already completed fundraising and a peer survey, and will include about 10 books chosen from a larger list. "The book well is going to be a section of our library that is meant for mental health books," one presenter said. They told the board they surveyed "around like a 100 people our age" to pick titles and that school staff including Mr. Graham will review selections for age-appropriateness.

Board members praised the students'work and pledged support. The board president thanked the presenters "on behalf of the board and the district" and said the district will help where it can. The students said they plan to complete the bookshelf by Sept. 30 and to add a small plaque crediting the Silver Award team.

The students described intended furniture and finishes, including wood, paint and potentially beanbag chairs for the quiet corner, noting that final approvals for some books remain pending with library staff. The board did not take any formal action other than public recognition and encouragement.

The project builds on the school's mental-health emphasis and will be sited in the middle school library; staff review remains the stated path for final book approvals.