By Laura Hayes, Senior Community Reporter
(Photo/Sanam Zaer)
SHREWSBURY — Just over a month after an Anti-Racist Free Little Library was installed in town, six more little libraries will be soon be opened across Shrewsbury.
Most notably, there will be one in the Town Common near First Congregational Church, according to Sanam Zaer, who is one of the founding members of “A Better Shrewsbury,” which is the group behind the libraries.
“Having more of these libraries around town will directly benefit six new neighborhoods and social networks around Shrewsbury, and it also provides free resources to anyone interested in learning more about these issues,” Zaer said.
The other new libraries will be located on Walnut Street, Fieldstone Drive, Wachusett Avenue, Hapgood Way, and Huntington Avenue in Worcester to help serve Shrewsbury residents who live on the west side.
Zaer said the existing library on Main Circle has been running well.
“I’ve seen local families stopped by to get and donate books, and I’ve heard from other parents that they’re so grateful to have this resource in town,” Zaer said.
While the library has been getting visitors, Zaer said the construction on Main Circle has prevented its steward, Debbie Linder, from promoting it as much as Linder would like.
The libraries are filled with books for all ages that promote diversity and tackle anti-racism.
Zaer said the new libraries will be launched during the weekend of Aug. 21. She said A Better Shrewsbury members plan on holding smaller events where people could bring a book to donate while also building relationships.
“While each library has the same goal, each host has a different vision for what the library will look like and how it will interact with the community,” Zaer said.
She added, “I’m really looking forward to seeing how each library takes shape over the next few weeks.”
In the meantime, individuals are welcome to donate either new or used books that focus on anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
A Better Shrewsbury has set up two registries, which are located at https://frugalbookstore.net/apps/giftregistry/registry/140034 and https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RTAXNZUR0H8K?ref_=wl_share.
