Pike, NH – Three students at the Mount Prospect Academy (MPA) in Pike have constructed and installed a small three-shelf library for the public to take out or add books. Included in the library is an assortment of books, a box of crayons, and a coloring book available for anyone’s reading or coloring enjoyment.

This interesting project, which makes books available to passersby at any time of day or night, was created, constructed, and installed by students Colton P, Greyson S, and Brian L. Mount Prospect Academic Career Life Coach Guy
Mitchell told The Bridge Weekly recently that the project is part of a series of
community improvement projects being completed by MPA Student Council
members. Mitchell said it was a favorite way for the students to give back to a
community that has been so supportive of them.

According to the program’s website, part of Mount Prospect’s mission is to
provide a caring and safe therapeutic environment where students have the
opportunity to grow and acquire the skills necessary to reach their full educational and social potential.

With the school’s mission always in mind, Mitchell works to help Mt. Prospect
Academy students succeed in everyday life. He and other staff members work
hard to provide the kids with the coping skills and tools necessary for successful future careers through technical training.

Mitchell said the program includes a monthly program of shared values. For instance, for the month the students installed their Little Free Library, the shared value was “Legacy,” represented by the original Pike School founder,
John Wolter. The students learned that the definition of that month’s shared value meant “A gift handed down that supports growth in others,” which embodied the true meaning that their Little Free Library program strives to accomplish.

The Little Free Library is a national program whose in dividual identity at Mount Prospect Academy in Pike is included in a registry of 200,000 other Little Free Libraries around the United States and the world. Their library project helps build library communities, inspires readers, and expands book
access for everyone who has access to one of the available Little Free Libraries. Mitchell said the project was a good one for the students to
be involved with for many reasons. They had the opportunity to plan the event, take trips to the academy’s woodshop in Rumney, and, with various equipment professionals on hand, they got to manufacture the library
that was cut from local wood sources.

The Little Free Library was then painted and installed at the site of the former Pike Library on Route 25 in Pike. The activities associated with building
and installing the Little Free Library are a perfect project for the Student
Council.

The Student Council undertakes many other activities, Mitchell said, including many projects that involve the school and the community. He noted that recently, the students washed windows at several buildings on the school

campus, worked to improve their paintball course, and promoted a kayaking safety program, all activities in which they are involved to engage in positive projects that benefit the school or community.
Mitchell said that all the projects show the kids how to connect the parts of any project they do, which will aid others and assist them.

“There is always something happening here, always something good that provides the students with opportunities to be successful,” he said.

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