The Dillsburg Area Public Library recently celebrated the completion of a new Educational Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on April 22, 2026. The event coincided with Earth Day.
The garden is the Eagle Scout project of Cloud Duncan, a member of Dillsburg’s Troop 38. Duncan collaborated closely with library staff and troop leadership to design and build the U-shaped raised bed garden. He also led the fundraising and logistics necessary to complete the project.
The construction phase was completed over several days in March, resulting in a functional space designed for community engagement and hands-on learning.
Library Director Keith Greenawalt emphasized the long-term benefits of the new addition: “The garden will allow the library to offer programs in ways that we have not been able to in the past. Cloud’s dedication will impact many over the coming years and for that we are very appreciative.”
“The garden will offer the opportunity to teach kids about growing, patience, science, and appreciation of our natural world,” said Children’s Librarian Sue Rizzo.
Duncan is currently a Life Scout in Troop 38 and is finishing his Junior year at Northern High School. He has been active in Scouting since 2nd grade. His parents, Laura and Malik Duncan, have been working hard to support him over the years and are very proud of his accomplishments in Scouting and in School. For this project, Cloud had to organize fundraisers such as the Art Raffle at the library with the help of his grandmother, Sally Becker, providing the art pieces.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me throughout the process of completing this project,” Duncan said. “My thanks go to the scouts and their families who helped with fundraising and assembly; my grandfather, Jim Becker, for providing the construction and design expertise to ensure the raised beds could support the weight of the soil; and Ace Hardware and Turkeyfoot Nursery for their generous donations of screws and mulch. Finally, I want to thank everyone at the Dillsburg Area Public Library for their crucial feedback and support in making this vision a reality.”
Children can help plant the garden (weather permitting) on May 14 at 6pm during our “Paint and Plant” event. Registration is required for this free event.
The Dillsburg Area Public Library proudly serves over 22,000 people in northern York County, PA. The library, a member of York County Libraries, has been serving the Dillsburg area since 1953. Visit the library at 204 Mumper Lane or online at yorklibraries.org/dillsburg.