Visitors to the Easton Public Library will soon have a new outdoor space designed to spark creativity and inspire writing.
The library will unveil a new Word Garden on June 6 at 12:30 p.m. during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the library lawn. The project was created by 16-year-old Eagle Scout Iris LaMastro of Troop 306 as part of her Eagle Scout service project.
The Word Garden features 75 engraved stones displaying words selected to inspire creativity and reflect some of the most commonly used words in poetry.
“I chose words that I thought would be fun and would be useful,” LaMastro said.
LaMastro said one of the biggest challenges was coordinating the project from start to finish. She worked closely with O&G Industries masonry division, which donated the stones and gravel used to create the garden.
The project grew from LaMastro’s lifelong connection to the library. Having spent years visiting the library and with her mother having previously worked there she wanted to create something that would benefit the community for years to come.
After noticing the library lacked outdoor features that encouraged engagement, LaMastro decided a Word Garden would be a meaningful addition.
“I thought it’d be a really good Eagle Scout project because it’s really innovative and it’s a good place for the kids to be, and for everyone, the whole community,” she said.
Library Director Lynn Zaffino said the project demonstrates both creativity and community spirit.
“I want people to know this was done by a high school kid and it was all her idea,” Zaffino said. “She used her creativity, ideas and effort to make it happen.”
Zaffino hopes the garden becomes a destination for library visitors and residents looking for inspiration.
“I want people to realize that this is something on the lawn that they can go and enjoy,” she said.
Additional improvements are planned for the area, including a bench, an informational sign and a pathway leading to the garden.
“They’ve bounced ideas off of me, we’ve talked about the best way to do things, especially with this pathway,” Zaffino said.
The June 6 unveiling will include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and refreshments provided by the Easton Public Library.
LaMastro said she is looking forward to sharing the finished project with the community.
“I’m excited for everyone to see it because I’ve worked really hard on it and I’m hoping there’s a good turnout,” she said.
