Boy Scout Builds Little Libraries For Ocean City Beaches

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Finding a beach read in Ocean City will be much easier this summer thanks to the work of Aidan Walsh.

Walsh, a senior at Ocean City High School and a boy scout with Troop 23 in Manahawkin, built wooden “take one, leave one” book libraries at four Ocean City beach entrances in pursuit of his Eagle Scout Award.

Walsh received approval to install libraries at 2nd Street, 9th Street, 15th Street and 34th Street entrances, which he determined to be popular areas along the boardwalk.

“These libraries give people the opportunity to read on the beach or have a place to donate books so they’re always full of new reads,” Walsh said during a council meeting Thursday.

Walsh has been a boy scout since he was six years old and has achieved 30 merit badges. As a scout, he has assisted special needs students in the Challenger Program, participated in beach and community cleanups, and volunteered with a cat rescue in Ocean City.

An Eagle Scout Award is considered the highest and most prestigious award in scouting. For his project, he fundraised money for supplies and led a team of volunteers to build the libraries.

Walsh must now go through the board of review, which decides if he has achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

“I’d like to thank all the volunteers and donors because without them I’d never be able to accomplish this project. I am truly thankful for having my project approved and can’t wait to see the libraries installed on the beaches,” Walsh said.

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