This week we celebrated the opening of our very first ever Blue Q library, which also happens to be “the smallest library in western Massachusetts.” That is, to the best of our knowledge.

We named this little book-lending space Elevator Library because it’s filled with books to lift us all up. As our welcome sign says: There are so many ways to think and be in this world. Every time we learn about a new one, our lives get bigger and brighter. It’s also called Elevator Library because, well, it’s next to the elevator. Clever, right?

This idea has been living in our heads for months, so seeing it take actual shape was a total thrill. And while it was primarily built to be a community extension of our company’s anti-racist commitments, the library offers books on a wide array of eye-opening, world-view-widening topics, for people of all ages, interests, and life experiences. 

If you’re in the area, you should definitely stop by and see it for yourself. But if you’re not, here’s the gist: The verrrrrry long shelves are lined with over 150 books curated by our staff and gathered by John. And those books sit perched on almost as many hand-made, custom book holders, artfully cut, nailed and welded by Mike and Jordan. Lest we forget to applaud the expert book-plate adhering executed by Sharon and Martha! Some of us wrote recommendations too, which we tacked to the edges of the shelves, to get people borrowing. And we cut a hole in the wall for the book drop. 

We can’t wait to see how this little library space grows and builds and changes over time. And if all goes to plan, our hearts and minds will do the exact same thing.