Two local students gave back to Western Pocono Community Library for their Eagle Scout and Gold Award projects, and were recognized at the library’s 50th anniversary celebration.

For his project, Robert Livingston upgraded the garden area used by patrons. He refinished/restained the gazebo and purchased two new metal picnic tables.

For her project, Ava Stabile provided and organized telescopes and microscopes for a new free lending program — the only one in the area.

“I would like to recognize these two individuals for their contributions to the Western Pocono Community Library,” said Director Patti Weiss during the formal anniversary presentations, as she congratulated both of them.

Attendees could stroll in the garden and see Livingston’s hard work, which included some landscaping. They could look at the sun with a solar telescope at Stabile’s booth and observe slides of plants and the human body with one of the microscopes.

Livingston is a member of Boy Scout Troop 102 and a junior at Pleasant Valley High School. Stabile belongs to Girl Scout Troop 52309 and is a sophomore. The completion of both projects still needs to be formally reviewed by their respective councils. A plaque on the gazebo recognizes Livingston’s work, with an indoor plaque recognizing Stabile’s contribution.

“I thought it would benefit the community and help to get the kids outside,” Livingston said, referring to children’s programs. The tables are sturdy and handicapped accessible. He worked during the summer to make the area more inviting and was finished by early September.

“I wanted to share my love of microscopy and astronomy with the community for all to experience,” Stabile said. She noted that the equipment can be expensive and the free rental/borrowing program will give library patrons access to the science and technology. “You can see if you connect with it before making a purchase.”

Fundraising and donations were a part of both Scouts’ projects.

Livingston raised $1,100 by selling candy bars at local businesses/venues and concessions like s’mores kits at a movie night at Ross Township Park.

Stabile raised $3,200, which included online contributions, two microscopy fundraisers at the library and two Star Party fundraisers at Astronomy in the Community. Her project was supported with in-kind donations from Celestron and Rutgers University. An anonymous STEM advocate provided grant funding to buy a Seestar S50 telescope that “allows you to observe deep sky objects by controlling the telescope with a tablet,” Stabile’s father, Claudio M., explained.

The library’s lending program features three telescopes, three microscopes and in-house microscopy station for viewing slides in the library.

“There has been a pretty positive response,” Ava said. “People are very interested in checking it out.”

In pursuing her Gold Award, Stabile followed in the footsteps of her brother, Claudio T., whose Eagle Scout project was to build an astronomy observatory in Polk Township.

Five members of Troop 102 are “making Eagle Scout this year,” said Scoutmaster Jeremy Livingston, adding that only about 5% of all Boy Scouts achieve the rank. The American Legion in Gilbert is the troop’s charter organization.

“My whole life I have been working toward this goal,” said Robert Livingston, who has been a Scout since first grade.

The telescope and microscope lending program is registered with Library Telescope and is one of only 1,000 programs nationwide. The microscopy program is the only one in the country, Ava said. Patrons can borrow equipment for seven days and must sign a release form. A grand opening party was held at the library on Aug. 7.

“I am extraordinarily proud of Ava and my son because of their impact on the community and providing access to science and education through their programs,” said Claudio M. Stabile, who serves as treasurer for Troop 102 and den leader for Cub Scout Pack 102.

Jeremy Livingston expressed pride for his son, noting that the garden area “is a nice place to congregate.”

For more information on these library projects, stop by WPCL and visit their website. For more info on Astronomy in the Community, visit their Facebook group.