I got my first library card at age 7 at a small town public library. The librarian made me feel like a real person! Through my life I've used the library and taken my kids there. I so appreciate librarians' courage in these days of censorship and cruelty. Libraries are not only good for individuals, they are essential institutions in a free society.

Salem public library has helped me fall in love with reading again. With access to seemingly endless hours of reading material, as well as music, movies, tickets to zoos and museums, and a warm welcoming community space. But since I use a wheelchair, for me to be able to access my library they need the funds to maintain and improve their equipment like the elevator and lift. To create a safe space for everyone to enjoy and learn in there needs to be the funding backing it. Libraries may be taken for granted but they are a very important space for community growth.