Little Free Diverse Library
Learn how this important initiative uses literature to center the experience of diverse communities
- About
- Little Free Diverse Library
Located at Connor Heffler Park: 90 Oak St, Natick, MA.
The volunteers who created this library believe in the power of literature to break down barriers of race, gender, class, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, and belief. We hope that you take a book and share with someone you love! You can return it when you are done or pass it along to a friend! Each book has a special bookplate inside so that you and everyone who you share it with understands the intention behind this library in our special MetroWest community.
DONATIONS ARE WELCOME.
While all donations are welcome, diverse titles for children are greatly encouraged. View our curated list of books here. Please contact info@sparkkindness.org if you are interested in supporting the library financially. You can also make a donation online (please note Little Free Diverse Library in the tribute line.)
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to lend a hand in keeping our library vibrant and accessible? Contact info@sparkkindness.org to learn about volunteer opportunities.
Donate to the Little Free Diverse Library
"When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part."
— Rudine Sims Bishop, "Mirrors, Windows & Sliding Glass Doors"
Special Thanks to Our Project Supporters
- Mass Cultural Council
- Natick Recreation & Parks Department
- Middlesex Savings Bank
- Natick Department of Public Works
- DACON
- Individual Community Donors & Volunteers!
About the Concept
The special project design for SPARK's Little Free Diverse Library in Natick was created by Urban Designer and Planner, Ganesh Ramachandran. This beautiful design reflects the uniqueness of the Natick Community (with it's "N" structure) while being a safe, playful, and accessible space for diverse books for the community!
Project Inspiration + Stewardship
Inspiration for this project came from Smitha Radhakrishnan, who introduced it to the SPARK Kindness Belonging, Equity, and Community (BEC) Committee. Special thanks to Nira Mahesh, Annie Aisenberg, Holly McKean, Becky Moss, Swati Dave, Leah Parker-Moldover, Tom Daly, Debbie Dungan, Bethany Schlegel Shaw, Elizabeth Nolan Greer, and many children for helping to plan and now maintain this library!
Project Construction
Special thanks to all those who contributed to the library construction, including Michele Marotta of SPARK Kindness who served as the Project Coordinator, Dan Bryden, PsyD who helped with overall construction, Tom Daly, Steve Robinson, and Superior Construction and the crew at the Natick Department of Public Works for the transportation and installation, and Rick and Jean Holihan for finishing construction. Thank you to Art Goodhind, Supervisor & Tree Warden, Division of Land Facilities and Natural Resources, the Natick Parks & Recreation Department, and the Town of Natick who welcomed this project, and everyone who made it possible to install this Little Free Diverse library at the Connor Heffler Park for kids and families to enjoy for years to come!