The Boston Public Library (BPL) today announced the launch of the BPL Spice Race, a friendly competition among neighborhood branches to collect spices for families across Eastern Massachusetts.
What: Patrons are encouraged to bring more flavor to their neighbors by donating unopened spices and dried herbs at a nearby participating location. The BPL will distribute them to local food pantries across Eastern Massachusetts. The branch with the most donations will win its own spice blending program, to be announced after One Boston Day. The Central Library in Copley Square will collect spices but will not compete in the Spice Race.
Why: By providing access to spices, the BPL hopes to offer a way to maintain a sense of cultural identity and family traditions, encourage creative and nutritious cooking, and promote the abundant cultural makeup that is found in Massachusetts.
When: Donations will be accepted from October 15, 2026 through One Boston Day, April 15, 2027.
Where: Participating locations are listed below.
- Adams Street Branch
- Central Library in Copley Square (Newsfeed Café)
- Charlestown Branch
- Chinatown Branch
- Codman Square Branch
- Connolly Branch
- Faneuil Branch
- Hyde Park Branch
- Jamaica Plain Branch
- Lower Mills Branch
- North End Branch
- Roslindale Branch
- South Boston Branch