The Blackstone Cookie Walk Is Back: Homemade Treats, Local Love, Big Impact
Behind the Scenes of the Beloved Blackstone Cookie Walk
A Community Tradition 11 Years in the Making
The Blackstone Cookie Walk is one of the town’s most cherished holiday traditions — and on Saturday, December 13, it returns for its 11th year, filling the Blackstone Public Library with the scent of chocolate, peppermint, cinnamon, and more than 100 varieties of homemade cookies.
What began as a simple idea has grown into an annual event that regularly draws lines out the door each December. At the heart of it is the library’s Head of Circulation and Technical Services, Ellen Goudreau, who has helped shape the Cookie Walk into the beloved community celebration it is today.
How the Blackstone Cookie Walk Began
More than a decade ago, the library staff began brainstorming new fundraising ideas to help support programs not covered by the operating budget. A conversation about what patrons enjoy most — paired with the idea of creating a cookie swap — quickly snowballed into something bigger.
After plenty of planning and imagination, the Blackstone Cookie Walk was born.
This year marks the 11th annual event, including the year it continued through COVID. What started with a few tables of baked goods has now become a major holiday attraction for the community.
The Passion Behind the Baking
Ellen Goudreau has been part of the library for 18 years, and during that time, her homemade cookies have become something of a legend among patrons and coworkers alike. She noted that she’s been known for her chocolate chip cookies that she’s “not allowed to attend any library function without bringing a batch.”
Taking the lead on the Cookie Walk felt like a natural fit. Today, she typically bakes around 30 different varieties each year — everything from classic favorites to unique treats including:
- molasses cream
- rosemary shortbread
- pistachio
- M&M
- coconut chocolate chip
- fruitcake crisps
- chocolate chip (of course!)
And that’s just a small sample.
Her dedication has earned her a lighthearted nickname among staff: the “crazy cookie lady,” a title she embraces as part of the fun and community spirit of the event.
A Community Effort From the Start
Although Ellen bakes a staggering number of cookies herself, she’s far from the only contributor.
In the early years, most of the library staff pitched in. They then recruited patrons through flyers and word-of-mouth. Now, Ellen reaches out to last year’s bakers while welcoming new volunteers who want to help.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” she said. “There’s always someone new interested in participating.”
The result? A massive homemade spread each December featuring well over 100 varieties of cookies, along with fresh breads such as banana bread, cranberry orange bread, Scottish shortbread, and apple cake.
Everything — absolutely everything — is homemade.
Behind-the-Scenes: How It All Comes Together
The behind-the-scenes work begins in October, when bakers are secured and new recipes are tested.
In November, the real baking begins. The week leading up to the event is “crunch time,” as Ellen describes it — setting up the meeting room, preparing name cards, updating ingredient lists, and accepting the final deliveries of cookies and treats the night before.
When the doors open at 10 a.m. on December 13, everything is ready.
And by 1:00 p.m.?
There’s rarely anything left but crumbs.
Fan Favorites and Must-Have Treats
While every batch is made with care, several treats are known to disappear first:
- gingerbread men
- chocolate-dipped macaroons
- pistachio cookies
- Italian cookies
- peanut butter blossoms
- rosemary shortbread
With so many options, every visitor leaves with something special — but early birds truly get the best selection.
Supporting What Matters at the Library
Proceeds from the Blackstone Cookie Walk go directly into the library’s Gift Account, which funds programs not covered by the operating budget.
The impact has grown significantly:
- 2015: $770.38 raised (cookies were $6 per pound)
- Last year: $3,536 raised (cookies were $9 per pound)
It’s a fundraiser that not only delights the community but expands what the library can offer.
“I’m very proud of what the Cookie Walk has become,” Ellen shared, “and what it allows the library to offer to its patrons.”
A Holiday Tradition That Brings Joy
Ellen has one big tip for anyone planning to attend:
Come early.
People line up outside the library before the doors even open to ensure they get the widest selection. Some patrons even place special orders for their favorite cookies each year.
“When you attend the Cookie Walk, surrounded by the smells of chocolate, cinnamon, and peppermint, you can’t help but feel joy,” Ellen said. “And that’s what the Cookie Walk is all about.”
Event Details: Blackstone Cookie Walk
Saturday, December 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Blackstone Public Library
$10 per pound | Specialty treats individually priced
Payment accepted: cash, checks, credit cards
Ingredient lists available upon request
All proceeds support library programs and events.
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