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WILKES-BARRE — If you are going to undertake a project to help a library, Team Bookworms is probably the best name for your committee.

The Bookworms, a project group of the Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2018, recently completed renovations to the children’s activity room at the Osterhout Library on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. and is free and open to the public. Parents are encouraged to bring their young children for a special reading by Cynthia W. Post, author of the Carrie Flowers series of children’s books. Post will be donating some of her own books and a doll to the library.

The renovations to the activity room include freshly painted powder blue walls, a vibrant new high-traffic carpet in the spirit of children’s books, and cabinetry donated by Mariotti Building Products.

Team Bookworms held a fundraiser for the renovations in March, and also asked for donations from area businesses.

Matthew Hinton, a member of the project committee, said they chose the project because they liked the idea of having a visible, tangible impact on the library and its services.

“This type of project promotes literacy in our area and gives the children of Wilkes-Barre a clean, colorful place to read and learn and play,” Hinton said. “The children’s activity room was in need of a face-lift, and we were happy to help turn the page and begin a new chapter for the place.”

Diane Fritz, a Bookworms member, said the group couldn’t be more excited about completing the project.

“And we are proud to know that we have provided a safe and fun environment for the children and families of NEPA to enjoy the library,” Fritz said.

Hinton said Team Bookworms is grateful to all who donated to the project, including Dr. Jen’s Hope, UGI, Misericordia University, Carbondale Veterinary Hospital, Kartri Sales Co., Gene’s Garage, Tom and Vanessa Botzman, Allison Dennison, Anne Blaskiewicz and Riann Decesaris.

Leadership Wilkes-Barre is a community leadership development organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement by emerging leaders.

Members of Team Bookworms are shown doing work on the children’s activity room at the Osterhout Library on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the room will be Saturday at 11 a.m. The public is invited.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/web1_Team-Bookworms-1.jpg.optimal.jpgMembers of Team Bookworms are shown doing work on the children’s activity room at the Osterhout Library on South Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the room will be Saturday at 11 a.m. The public is invited. Submitted Photo

By Bill O’Boyle

[email protected]

Team Bookworms

Matthew Hinton – Misericordia University

Diane Fritz – Prudential

Amanda Casem – Guardian Rehabilitation Services

Kelly Chamberlain – Luzerne County Head Start

Santina Morreale – Cohen and Haydu Chiropractic Clinic

Meghan Flanagan – Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce

Tabitha Inman – Genetti’s

Andrew Nebzydoski – UGI

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.