It probably comes as no surprise that children who are read to or who read frequently have an advantage over those who do not.

The U.S. Department of Education has found that, generally, the more students read for fun on their own time, the higher their reading scores.

According to the National Education Association, having children read a lot is one of the crucial components of becoming a good reader. Young readers need to become practiced at recognizing letters and sounds. The only way to get good at it is to practice. Again, not a surprise.

Yet still, many children are only exposed to books at school. And once they leave for the day, reading is an afterthought. Over summer vacation, some children don’t read at all.

All across the country, there as been a movement to put books in the hands of more children, and even adults, by placing small libraries in heavily trafficked public areas, like parks.

Last month, Christopher Roy, completed his Eagle Scout project by doing just that. The South Point High School student installed a tiny book depository at the Burlington Commons Park where anyone can take a book to read or bring a book to stock the shelves.

And Bravo, Christopher, for taking an old, out-of-service newspaper box to create this project. If a newspaper box can no longer be used to distribute the news, we couldn’t think of a better way to upcycle something that would have otherwise been thrown away.