Free Little Libraries in Blackstone MA: Take a Book, Leave a Book
Back in 2022, a few residents took to Facebook wondering if there were any free little libraries in town. At the time, the answer was no—but the idea clearly struck a chord. In the years since, that simple question helped spark something special. Today, thanks to the creativity and generosity of local residents, free little libraries in Blackstone MA can now be found in parks and public spaces across town.
Of course, we’re fortunate to have the Blackstone Public Library on Main Street—a well-loved resource for all ages. These new additions aren’t here to replace the library but to complement it, bringing books into outdoor spaces where people gather, play, and pass by. Whether you’re at the playground or taking a stroll, the free little libraries invite everyone to share in the joy of reading.
What Is a Free Little Library?
A free little library is a small outdoor box or structure where anyone can take a book or leave a book—no card or checkout required. These mini book-sharing spots run on the honor system and are open 24/7. They’re perfect for park visits, playground time, or simply walking through town and finding something new to read.
Free little libraries promote:
- Literacy and reading for all ages
- Sharing and reusing instead of buying new
- Neighborhood connection and kindness
- Surprise book discoveries
Bringing Books to the Parks: A Community Effort
A Gift from Arissa Andrade and Her Father
In 2024, Arissa Andrade, with help from her father, Norman Boucher, built and donated three beautifully crafted free little libraries to Blackstone’s public parks. She shared with Small Town Post that her lifelong love of reading—and the joy of sharing that love with her young son—inspired her to bring these little libraries to life.
The three libraries were built almost entirely from reclaimed materials. While the structures were kept simple, each one features thoughtful, personalized painting:
- The Town Common library was painted to match the gazebo, blending in with the setting.
- At the Roosevelt Park Playground, the design is inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a favorite childhood book of Arissa’s.
- The Turbesi Park library is bright and cheerful, decorated with sunflowers—her favorite flower—and bold colors to catch the eye.
Each design was intentionally chosen to reflect its environment or personal meaning, with the playground libraries being more playful and childlike.
Arissa also selected the three park locations herself, noting that it just felt right—and gave her and her father a great opportunity to bond over the creative process. “It was fun,” she told us.
Since installation, the response from the community has been strong. In fact, the little library at Turbesi Park is often emptied of books quickly—a good sign that people are using it regularly.
A Girl Scout’s Mission: Brianna McKiel’s Library at Goulet Field
In June 2025, a fourth free little library was added to Blackstone—this time at Goulet Field, thanks to Girl Scout Brianna McKiel, who created it as part of her Brownie Summit Award project.
Brianna told Small Town Post she knew right away she wanted to do something meaningful for her town and loved the idea of encouraging reading. She and her little sister even thought about how free books could help younger siblings stay engaged while others play sports or use the playground.
She and her mom found a kit online and built the library together—Brianna assembled it herself, while her mom helped tighten tricky screws. She designed the colors and Girl Scout-themed logos, even including the names of her Troop 632 friends who supported her throughout.
With help from her troop leaders, Ms. Carrie and Ms. Emilie, and a letter she wrote to Parks & Recreation (used in her presentation), Brianna gained approval and picked the perfect spot at the field. By the time she returned to school, the post was already installed.
Since then, the library has seen steady use—especially the toddler books. Brianna and her mom continue to check in and restock it, with help from donations, including books and stickers from the Blackstone Public Library.
She hopes the little library inspires more reading, sharing, and kindness in the community—and gives families one more reason to enjoy time outdoors together.
Brianna’s passion for books now benefits everyone who visits Goulet Field—and stands as a reminder of the power of youth-led projects.
View the Map: Free Little Libraries in Blackstone MA
We’ve created an interactive map of free little libraries in Blackstone MA, so you can easily find the one closest to you. Click the map below to explore each location, or visit a park and discover it in person!
Share the Joy—And Help These Libraries Thrive
Free little libraries work because of community spirit. If you visit one in Blackstone, consider bringing a book to share—something you’ve enjoyed and want to pass along. Your contribution helps keep these spaces full, varied, and inviting for readers of all ages.
Spotted a new little library around town? Or building one yourself? We’d love to hear about it and add it to the map. Every book, every shelf, and every visitor helps grow a culture of sharing, literacy, and connection—one story at a time.
At Small Town Post, we believe in celebrating the good things growing in our community—from new businesses and town projects to inspiring young leaders like Brianna and generous volunteers like Arissa. Stories like these are the heart of what we do: shining a light on moments of creativity, connection, and local pride. Have a story to share or a free little library to add to our list? Contact us anytime. And don’t forget to follow Small Town Post on Facebook for regular updates, town news, and new stories every week.
Let’s keep celebrating the little things that make Blackstone big on heart.
