I love our historic library, the architecture feels so cozy and beautiful and the there are so many programs and activities for the community. My grandmother was the story time reader for 30 years and they took care of her book needs until the day she died.

Our library makes it possible for my great grandchildren to read as much as they want to. They are thrilled every time we say we are going to the library. We could never afford to purchase the number of books that they check out and read from the library, because they devour books so quickly! Also, the children's programs at our library (Amesbury) are exciting and engaging, and encourage them to read even more, and read new and different books. My 8 year old great granddaughter reads at least 2 hours a day, and that is made possible by Massachusetts Libraries. We also check out games from our library that bring our family together in joyful quality time. Words cannot express how much the library enhances our lives, and our time together. Thank you.

I have a memory of getting my first library card, when I was old enough to go to the library I felt so smart every time I walked out of how I was able to learn something new or research about anything I wanted to know about. My love for that library and the many others I have gone to, have given me knowledge to use and share. My children love to read, their children love to read and learn. Passes to the Aquarium,& The children's museum. To this day, I make it my special place where I continue to go and grow.

I am very thankful to my library. While in law school and studying for the Bar exam, my library gave me a quiet, clean space to study without going mad in my small apartment. It allowed me to get out for community nights, and has helped me set up a recurring program for writers in my area to get together. It has permitted me a meeting space for other hobbies too -- such as a regular craft club and a space to discuss webmastery for a volunteer-run organization I am part of. My partner and I love going to various evening events, such as puzzling nights or crafting! As well, I love reading so many new books and watching movies I wouldn't otherwise have access to. There is an affordable book store run with donated material, and I am quite thankful to it, too! As I've built up a DVD, CD, and vinyl collection, I learned how to repair my old DVD player and record player so I could watch classic movies and explore new genres of music! Without my library, my life would be quieter, lonelier, and more dull. I am quite grateful to the staff and donors.

As a Senior Citizen, the Interlibrary Loan Service has allowed me to research a topic of interest to me (Religions of Ancient Rome). I would not be able to obtain these materials on my own otherwise. This service allows us access to materials only found in university libraries as well as other larger libraries. Please continue this vital service so that Seniors may continue their lifetime education. Thank you.

Amherst Jones Library has helped me with their excellent employees who have posted valuable book recommendations and this has really helped me through some tough times. 🙏 Please continue their founding because small towns inhabitants depend on libraries like this one. Kind regards

My local public library has been my sanctuary all throughout my childhood and as a young adult! It has been a safe space to learn, grow, and expand my knowledge. It has allowed me to read a variety of different genres, explore multi-media, and connect with artwork. I LOVE my library and all the opportunities it has provided me, including my love of reading!

My local library’s where I go when I need a focused place to study or write essays or stories or poetry afterschool. It’s brought me closer to my sister through our mini “book clubs” using books we checked out there. (These books are often sent over from other libraries too, so please don’t defund that program!) It’s also just generally where I go whenever I need a book to read since there’s so many wonderful options. Honestly I don’t think I would read or write or study half as much as I do if it weren’t for the library.

Our local library has been there for our family as our kids grew up - first exploring picture books and then expanding there horizons and engaging their imaginations as they grew to adults. I worry as costs of books go up and funding is jeopardized that many families will lose access to a vital resource for children's learning and engagement. Please prioritize continued funding support!

My library provided me books about a generally taboo subject that helped me get through a very difficult time in my life. I checked out the same book about 7 times with no comment or judgement from the librarians. It truly saved my quality of life.

I love my library! I get to read new books all the time, and learn new things. I love getting to study new topics, seeing the next books in my favorite series, and discovering everything. I also really like just hanging out there, doing crafts and activities. I also get to go in the teen room and chill for a while, and do summer reading and raffles and everything. My library keeps me educated, and part of a community.

Our local library system has been key to helping my son develop a love for reading. I was raised this way and have always found peace, tranquility and space for exploration at libraries. These community spaces are for all and create equality by not being for profit like so many other spaces around us. We love our libraries, amazing librarians and spaces to read!

My children basically grew up at the library. From the story hour for toddlers, Lego and Pokémon club to summer reading and weekly book check outs. I want my tax dollars to go to supporting our future generation, helping them grow up curious, and eager to learn. We need to ensure our nation has enough scientists, engineers, writers and artists in the future, and I strongly believe our Libraries are a part of the equation

Because of my local library and the CWMARS program, my life has been greatly enriched. Since moving to Massachusetts in 1992, I spent years borrowing books and movies to use with our growing family. When the children became adults and left us, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Children's Literature, offered by Simmons College at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Beyond the textbooks that I purchased, I needed to read scores of middle grade and young adult novels, as well as literally hundreds of picture books. Without this precious resource, I would have been a grad-school dropout. Instead, I was able to accomplish this dream goal of mine. Currently, I continue to regularly check out materials--and I also enjoy an excellent book club at the library on Monday nights. Public libraries are secular temples for so many of us!

The library has been my safe haven since I was a small child. It has helped me as I grew up, from providing me the first books I used to learn to read, to books that helped me get through my classes, and to books that have helped me relax as a working adult. The library has also provided me with resources to pursue hobbies outside of reading: I have learned to play the piano via renting a keyboard, I have tried out new board games, and I have strengthened my mystery solving skills with puzzles. The library has helped me with printing important documents when I didn’t have a printer, and helped me with my resume to find jobs. When I moved to a new town, and I didn’t know anyone, the library provided me with plenty of events to socialize and gain a sense of community. The library has done so much for so many people, and I cannot imagine a life without it.

I cannot imagine the Charlton library( or any libraries) loosing its funding. Not only do I visit, get books, puzzles and magazines that help me discern decision making on products but I have an endless of reading material that I use daily on my kindle. I spend a great deal of time in the children’s room with my granddaughter who is now 22 months. Because of the library and its story time my granddaughter cannot get enough of books and reading. The library is safe, fun and nurturing to all people. Please SAVE OUR LIBRARIES!!!! Barbara Perron Charlton

I am an avid reader. Not only of novels, but a high proportion of Non-fiction, history, political commentary, science, medical research. I depend on the library(s) to supply me with the wonderful level choices that I now enjoy. Curtailing the ability of the library to continually supply me with the wealth of the world in print would have a tremendously deleteorious effect on my ability to remain alert and cognizant of my place as an active citizen.

I have used libraries across Massachusetts for many years. As a Brockton native, and current Taunton resident I can remember days where a trip to the library after school was my only solace from my home life. Taking part in activities, and going with my friends to check out books meant that I did not have to roam the streets, or take part in unsafe activities everyone else was interested in at the time. Even now, I use the library to explore books I could not otherwise access. Ones recommended by friends online, ones that can not be borrowed by a neighbor- and as a way to expand my knowledge with new books I didn't even KNOW I wanted. Not only that, but the community events is just another amazing thing Taunton Library provides, it brings a sense of togetherness amongst other participating residents in the city.

I often go in planning to pick up 1 book for my child and walk out with a whole bag of books, movies and games for the whole family. I love all that my library has to offer in terms of programming. It is truly at the heart of my community.

Quality, caring employees. Free hands on books/stories. Free access to magazines (ie consumer reports) that let me do research. Safe, beautiful space.

The library is so important to me, and so is the library app! I listen to audiobooks daily. As someone with adhd, have accessed so much literature that I never would have read had audiobooks not been an option. Thank you!

I read to my 4 month old from the huge collection of stories supplied by the library. I hope one day to pass the love of reading onto him.