Refurbished Little Free Library Returns to Oakdale Square

DEDHAM, MA - Neighbors in the Oakdale area who were wondering when their little free library was going to return to Oakdale Square, will be happy to know their wait is over. The newly-refurbished little library, painted by Luke Barry, was recently reinstalled by Dedham Library Innovation Team volunteer Nick Garlick at the corner of the Church of the Good Shepherd in the heart of Oakdale Square. Garlick also added a new latch and hinges.

Back in 2015, Luke Barry was just ten years old and just starting 5th grade when he took on the challenge of painting the little library to be installed in Oakdale Square. Diagnosed with autism at age two, Luke exhibited an early passion for drawing. His mom recounts that he would take his crayons and paper with him wherever he went, and his unique perspective and attention to detail made him a natural for artistic expression.

During that first round of library design and painting, Jill observed, “It was the first time I was able to observe Luke execute a plan from start to finish, and the first time he was able to verbalize his idea ahead of time. Aside from painting the base colors and the stripes, which was "Mom's job" he completed this project entirely on his own.”

Apparently, the only passion Luke has that is bigger than drawing is parades. His absolute favorite day of the year is June 14th and it is always spent cheering on Dedham's Flag Day parade. Jill adds, “Luke's design is a celebration of the Dedham community, its festive spirit, and our beautiful flag.”

Over the past seven years, weather took a toll on Luke’s little library, which required a complete restoration. This allowed Luke to come up with a fresh take on his “Stars and Stripes” design. This time, Luke - now age seventeen - added the words “be a good friend in the world” on the library, which his mom explains, “that is what Luke always says to me when I leave my house!! He started saying that when he was little.” And that’s sage advice we can all live by.

The restoration of the dozen little libraries across town is being overseen by Dedham Library Innovation Team’s (D-LIT) Dedham Little Free Library Project, and has been supported by individual contributions from the community, as well as financial support from Dedham Cultural Council and Dedham Savings.

DLIT's Dedham Little Free Library Project is an officially chartered member of the national Little Free Libraries initiative, which numbers over 100,000 little libraries in 108 countries. The libraries serve all ages from children to seniors. Use of the libraries is free - and books are all donated by the community. For general information about D-LIT’s Dedham Little Free Library Project, the public is invited to join the group’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dedhamlittlefreelibrary. Additional information about the Dedham Library Innovation Team is available on its website: www.DLITdedham.com.

DLIT, a 501 c3 non-profit organization (EIN# 45-1585594,) welcomes financial support for its Little Free Libraries Restoration Project. Donors can contact [email protected] or send a check to DLIT, 164 Munroe Street, Dedham, MA. 02026. Donations can also be made via the DLIT secure Paypal account: https://tinyurl.com/supportDLIT.

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