'Kindness Libraries' Built By Local Teen Sprout At Schools

SUDBURY, MA — A Lincoln-Sudbury junior recently completed a project building "kindness libraries" at local elementary schools. The project was supported by a grant from the Martin Richard Foundation, which was founded in honor of the 8-year-old boy who died in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Joseph Duggan built the libraries for Loring Elementary School and Curtis Middle School. The libraries are stocked with children's books, which can be borrowed for free.

"I wanted to build something that the community could use to share positive messages," said Duggan in a press release. "It was a rewarding opportunity to be able to lead this project and partner with the Martin Richard Foundation."

The books in the kindness libraries will reflect the values of Martin Richard, according to the foundation. After he died at the marathon, a photo of Richard holding a sign that read "No more hurting people. Peace" made its way around the world on the internet.

The foundation gave Duggan a $500 grant to purchase supplies to build the small libraries. He also got help with the project from parishioners of Our Lady of Fatima in Sudbury.

You can learn more about the Martin Richard Foundation on the nonprofit's website.