ASHBY — The Ashby Free Public Library has been aglow with more than just holiday spirit this season — thanks to an extraordinary act of generosity from Concord Electric Supply. After years of struggling with harsh, cool-white lighting, the library is finally on the path to warmer, more welcoming light.
Library Director Heather Brodie Perry admits she has “silently – well, sometimes not so silently – hated the lights” for four years.
“The bright, clinical bulbs made the library feel more like an emergency room than a cozy community space,” Perry said.
What she didn’t realize was that it wasn’t just her.
Research shows that neurodiverse individuals — especially children — often find cool white lighting overwhelming, while warmer, more natural light can make all the difference in comfort and focus.
The problem?
“You can’t replace the bulbs one at a time. Mixing color temperatures is visually jarring, and turning off the lights entirely is hardly ideal,” Perry said, confessing a solution she used often.
Enter Concord Electric Supply.
When staff member Rose Smith reached out for help, Jim Seltzer said yes without hesitation. The company generously provided 120 new bulbs in the correct color temperature — enough to replace every bulb in the library. Installation will begin soon, and the library’s long journey to eye comfort is finally reaching a bright conclusion.
“This gift is just one example of the remarkable community spirit Ashby has experienced this season,” Perry said with a smile.
Home Depot stepped up before Thanksgiving, donating a large, sturdy shelf for the library’s growing Food Pantry when the old bookcase could no longer handle the volume.
The Lunenburg Artisan Market held a food drive benefiting the pantry.
Local residents organized a clothing and home goods drive, followed by the Ashby homeschool cooperative’s donation event, which transformed the library into a bustling hub of generosity. Tables were piled high with clothes, coats, boots, hats, household items, toys, and more — many pieces still with tags. In all, about 1,000 coats found their way to grateful local families.
Event organizer Lisa Salem said seeing so many items go to people who truly needed them was deeply moving.
“It brought tears to my eyes to see so much joy,” Perry added. “The effort not only helped neighbors prepare for winter – it kept countless items out of landfills and ensured beloved things found new homes.”
The library will continue to offer gently used holiday items in its Upcycling Space throughout the season. And as Ashby adapts to the closing of its elementary school and the significant growth in homeschooling, the library is serving more families than ever.
“If you or your business are looking for a meaningful way to support the community this holiday season, the Ashby Free Public Library welcomes your partnership,” Perry said. “Your generosity helps sustain vital programs for local families and our expanding homeschool community.”
To get involved, contact Director Heather Brodie Perry or Rose Smith at 508-345-7585, 978-386-5377, or by e-mail [email protected].
“This season, Ashby has shown that small acts of kindness add up to something truly bright,” Perry concluded.
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