Watertown Rotary Students Help Bring New Little Library to 9th Street Near Bramble Park Zoo

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Two local students who attended this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp near North Platte, Nebraska, are being recognized for their contributions to a new community project: a Rotary‑sponsored Little Library now installed on 9th Street, just north of Bramble Park Zoo.

RYLA campers Mollie Raasch and Brooklyn Varilek spent July 13–17 at the leadership development program, which focuses on building confidence, teamwork skills, and community engagement. They were accompanied by Rotary members David Ross and Lisa Carrico, who ensured the students made the trip safely.

This year’s RYLA project involved assembling and decorating Little Libraries for Rotary communities that sponsor students. The Watertown Rotary Club has long supported local sophomores and juniors who show strong leadership potential and a desire for new experiences. According to the release, the only cost to attendees is a commitment to share what they learned by volunteering in community service programs.

“As always, our community was well represented by this year’s campers and their contribution to the Watertown area,” the release states.

The newly installed Little Library is open to the public and encourages residents to borrow and share books as part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community improvement.

The Rotary Club of Watertown is part of Rotary International, a global service organization whose members…

“see a world where people unite and take action to make lasting change across the globe, in our communities and ourselves.”

Rotarians follow the organization’s four‑way test, which emphasizes honesty, goodwill, and better friendships.

Questions about RYLA or the local Rotary Club can be directed to the club’s Facebook page.