Massachusetts launches Indigenous children’s libraries at state parks

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has launched the First Peoples First Stewards Children’s Library, a new initiative featuring books by Native American authors at nine DCR visitor centers, according to a Jan. 23 announcement by the agency. The reading libraries include more than 20 fiction and nonfiction titles and are available for on-site reading. DCR said the program is designed to highlight Indigenous history, culture and connections to land and water.

The libraries are located at visitor centers at Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center, Blue Hills Reservation, Borderland State Park, Breakheart Reservation, Fall River Heritage State Park, Great Falls Discovery Center, Mount Greylock State Reservation and the Quabbin Reservoir, according to the announcement. DCR said the locations were selected to provide access across different regions of the state and that additional sites may be considered in the future.