The popular, collectable and colorful bricks, known as LEGOs, are almost a century old and have characterized many American childhoods. Brandon Larouche, founder of 603 BRIX, has worked for close to three years to keep these small building bricks accessible in New Hampshire.

“In my youth, the expense of LEGO made it inaccessible. The goal of 603 BRIX is to provide opportunities for as many individuals as possible to create, engineer, and design using LEGO,” he wrote in an email.

Originally from Antrim, Larouche grew up creating and building with LEGOs.

“The classic castle sets were my favorite, and I’ll always remember my kindergarten year at Antrim Elementary School getting to play with the LEGO castle theme for the first time during the time I attended the offered afternoon learning program,” he wrote.

Decades later, in October 2023, Larouche found his personal LEGO collection and decided to donate his 1,000 pounds of LEGOs to the Milford Boys and Girls Club.

Soon after, he said he remembers teachers and librarians reaching out about LEGO donations. “I did not think twice about it,” he wrote.

To get the word out, he started posting online to town pages and spreading news through word of mouth.

Local impact

Over the past three years, Larouche has donated LEGOs across the state, including to the George Holmes Bixby Library, Peterborough Town Library, Dublin Public Library and New Ipswich Library.

On June 3, he announced 603 BRIX had donated about 5,000 pounds of LEGO to 100 local programs.

The library in Peterborough continues to use the two trash bags full of LEGOs donated by 603 BRIX in 2024.

  • Underwater LEGO creation featuring a shark attack at the Peterborough Town Library. Credit: Aimee Larue
  • Automobile LEGOs on the move at the Peterborough Town Library. Credit: Aimee Larue
  • Colorful depiction of the LEGO options at the Peterborough Town Library. Credit: Aimee Larue
  • Safe LEGO neighborhood with no traffic jams at the Peterborough Town Library. Credit: Aimee Larue
  • LEGO Drop-in at the Peterborough Town Library. Credit: Aimee Larue

Aimee Larue, head of youth services at the Peterborough Town Library, said students love playing with the library’s LEGO collection, and during school vacation, the library hosts drop-ins to provide local children with access to LEGO.

She said the creations are often displayed on top of the bookshelves, which the kids love and she advertises to other guests that LEGOs are available for everyone. She noted when the kids come to play with the classic connectable bricks, their parents always jump in.

‘Significant honor’

603 BRIX is run solely by Larouche with the help of donations from Granite State residents.

“The success of 603 BRIX is rooted in community collaboration and innovative thinking,” he wrote.

In addition to his work with 603 BRIX, Larouche works full-time at Ferrotec in Bedford, where he builds motors and shafts for automated robots, takes college courses and has more recently partnered with the SEE Science Center in Manchester to take care of the LEGO Millyard Project.

Brandon Larouche working on the LEGO Millyard Project at SEE Science Center in Manchester.

Larouche’s work with 603 BRIX has allowed him to reconnect with the local community and learn more about himself on his personal medical journey. For future generations, he hopes to provide a creative and thought-provoking outlet.

“LEGO is a versatile tool with diverse applications, including STEM, art, architecture and behavioral development. Participating in a project with lasting impact is a significant honor. As AI assumes various roles, the demand for skilled technical workers is increasing. It is crucial that we launch this effort promptly,” he wrote.

To collect LEGOs for donations, Larouche depends on individual donations and, when time permits, visits to the Goodwill bins in Hudson.

Since the beginning of 603 BRIX, he has donated about 30 pounds of LEGOs to 10-15 libraries in the state each year.

If you’re interested in donating, you can reach Larouche on the 603 BRIX Facebook account.

“We are not seeking your personal LEGO collection or cherished sets; instead, we accept LEGO pieces that are no longer utilized or those you wish to repurpose for future generations,” he wrote.