Libraries have saved me thousands upon thousands of dollars. I read a lot and have a lot of different interests. If I had to buy every book I wanted to read or browse, I could never afford! Add to that a safe and pleasant place to spend time (again, for free!) and free programming and entertainment - I'd be much worse off without my local library!

I can't even imagine a life without a nearby public library. And I find it very sad when they are forced to cut back on services or even the hours they can be open, due to the lack of funding. Libraries are an essential part of the community!