WORCESTER, Mass. — Saturday was an afternoon of free activities, entertainment and games down at Salem Square, as the Worcester Public Library celebrated their annual community block party.

The city blocked off some surrounding streets for the event. The party comes less than two days after a library staff member was attacked with a skateboard, leading to the closure of the library's branches Friday. A 31-year-old Worcester man was arrested and arraigned following the incident. 

The library's executive director, Jason Homer, says after an incident like that, the community needs to come together strong and united.

"We're so excited that so many members of our community are out here supporting us," Homer said. "We have a welcome desk full of flowers from random people throughout the community. Lots of letters. And really we want to thank Worcester for its response to our, you know, tough day Thursday. And for us, we're just so excited that the community cares about us the way that we care about them. And that's been the best part of this whole experience. I'm really excited. Today feels very cathartic."

Homer says the block party has gotten bigger every year they've hosted it, and hopes it's a trend that continues. He says, ultimately, the library's goal is to transform the community for the better.