Girl Scout Troop 2075 members pose with a newly installed Little Library at Butterfly Park on April 28. The community book exchange is open to the public for free use. Photo by Jacqi Leyva-Hill.
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Girl Scout Troop 2075 unveiled a new Little Library on April 28 at Butterfly Park, expanding access to books for residents and visitors on the island.
The unveiling took place at 5 p.m. at Butterfly Park, located at 4316 Gulf Blvd., and was organized in partnership with the Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee.
Laurie Coker, chair of the committee, said the project reflects a shared commitment to literacy and community engagement.
“This is amazing to me—to have libraries and kids being able to come along and get books, and adults to get books and share reading with others,” Coker said.
The Little Library is part of a growing 24/7 community library initiative, designed to provide free access to books at any time. The concept allows individuals to take a book, leave a book, or donate materials, creating an ongoing exchange that serves both locals and visitors.
Girl Scout participants said the goal was to create a space where anyone, especially those without easy access to traditional libraries, can read and learn.
A few of the Girl Scouts shared why they wanted to do this project. Leanna Cantu said, “We chose to do this because it is open 24/7.” Hailey Brown said, “I wanted to open the little library so that all people can use the books.” Evianna Infante said, “This is a way for kids and adults to access books.”
The project was guided by the troop’s leader, Melanie Martinez, who helped coordinate the effort and supported the girls throughout the planning and execution of the library.
The troop will play an ongoing role in maintaining the library by visiting regularly to organize books, remove inappropriate materials, and ensure the structure remains stocked for public use.
Key supporters of the project included the Parks and Keep SPI Beautiful Committee, Girl Scout Troop 2075, local volunteers, and South Padre Island city officials. Council members Ken Medders and Aarin Hartwell, along with Parks Manager Debbie Huffman, attended the unveiling in support of the effort.
A plaque placed on the front of the library identifies it with a unique registration number, allowing it to be recognized as part of a broader network of community book-sharing locations and helping visitors locate it.
Organizers said the next steps include keeping the library consistently stocked, encouraging public donations, and maintaining the structure so it remains a reliable resource for the community.
Following the event, Troop 2075 co-leader Melva Hager said the Little Library project is being used toward the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. Hager explained that the award requires the girls to complete a “Take Action” project by identifying a community need, developing a plan, and carrying out a service effort designed to create a lasting impact.
The Little Library is now open to the public at Butterfly Park and available for book exchanges at any time.