East Brookfield Public Library, East Brookfield, Massachusetts

One of the many marvelous things about Massachusetts is the sheer scale of the state's public library system. This makes it easy to explore. It makes it possible to appreciate the diversity of the communities around the state - and of the libraries that serve them. That was clear on a recent tour of five libraries in Central Massachusetts. 

Our visits began in East Brookfield, continued to West Brookfield, then to Ware, proceeded to New Braintree, and finally to North Brookfield. Sadly, the Merrick Public Library in Brookfield and the Warren Public Library were both closed the day of our visit.

This post focuses on the East Brookfield Public Library, with the others to follow.

The small East Brookfield Public Library serves a town of approximately 2,000 people. It’s an unprepossessing little library, but when you look inside, you’ll find a lot of heart. As is frequently true, that is thanks to the library staff. In this case, most especially to Carolann MacMaster, the library director. Her care for the community she serves - and her candor - were evident from the get-go. 

Carolann was happy to give us a tour of the library. It is a single, long room with a raised section on the right-hand side. Starting on the left, past the circulation desk, you’ll first find the library’s DVD collection. Adjacent to that is the children’s area. It’s appealing and well-organized. Carolann let us know that “kids and seniors” make up the bulk of the library’s patrons, and we would see spaces intended for each group.

One of the more unusual services the library provides is plant babysitting. If patrons are going to be away, the library will care for their plants while they are gone. There are also plants that belonged to people who have passed; they are a poignant reminder of the unique role public libraries play in their communities.

Turning from the children’s section, one finds themselves in the main stacks. It is a modest collection, but patrons are, of course, able to borrow from across the state. Large print and new releases are core elements of the library’s collection.

Now, at the far right of the library is an interesting area. It is up a quarter level from the main floor and provides a view of the entire library. It is a large multipurpose space that Carolann and her team use to the max. It includes the library’s public computers, a teen area, the Library of Things collection, a food pantry, hosts two knitting clubs, and more.

Another thing we noticed - which would appear again and again during the day’s visits - was a town quilt. It’s always interesting to see how a community represents itself in this very traditional medium.

This was not a flashy library by any measure. It is a somewhat spartan cinderblock building, but as is so often the case, its simple form belies a central and essential element of the community.