The Eden Prairie Library has seen the benefits of one Eden Prairie Scout’s Eagle Project. Eden Prairie High School sophomore Zachary Baker helped makeover the teen section of the library. Baker will host an open house of the new “Teen Area” Oct. 26.
“My family uses the library quite a bit and I thought it would be a great way to earn my Eagle Scout rank and benefit the community,” said Baker, in a news release.
To seek ideas, Baker, a member of Troop 479 toured and interviewed staff at the Minneapolis Central Library’s Teen Central area and the Minnetonka Library’s newly redesigned Teen Area. He met with Eden Prairie librarians to discuss his ideas. Additionally, he conducted three focus groups on the changes. It all came together in a 22-page report outlining his plans and proposed modifications. He submitted the report to the library and to the Scouts for approval.
“Based on the community input and his work with staff, Zaq and I planned two ‘after hours’ collection shifts,” Senior Librarian Ali Turner said in a news release. “On July 26 and Aug. 23, Boy Scouts under Zaq’s direction moved shelving and books – thousands of titles.”
Baker, son of Drs. Andrew and Peggy Baker of Eden Prairie, said the Boy Scouts emphasize leadership skills development. “Leading the younger scouts to help with the project was my favorite part of it.”
Baker also gave a presentation to the Friends of the Eden Prairie Library requesting funding for some materials, such as more magnetic poetry, a whiteboard similar to the graffiti wall at Teen Central, signage and some décor, according to the release.
After completing some paperwork, Baker plans to submit his project to the Boy Scouts’ Board of Review for consideration for the Eagle Scout rank.
– Compiled by Leah Shaffer

New teen area open house
When: from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 26
Where: Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive