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.

The library is a space for community for me, as well as a place for learning. I have always loved learning and books, and my public library is a place that I go to for information and recreation. I love reading to learn, and reading to experience lives and adventures outside of my experience. I have found community in an art journaling group, writing group, and science fiction book club at my public library. Libraries are free, and available to anyone who wants to use them. They are a huge resource for people from all social and economic groups. We need to protect our libraries.

I started going to my local library this past year after graduating from college and moving into Framingham. The McAuliffe Branch Library has provided me with a calm, welcoming environment to work. I've spent many hours inside the library browsing what's on the shelves, but what I love most about the Massachusetts library system is the ability to easily request a book in any other Minuteman Library branch and have it delivered to my location.

The library made me into a reader. It helped open my world view, made me empathetic and encouraged my curiosity. I also believe the library played a vital role in pushing me to become an English Language Arts teacher so I could foster a love of reading and books in the next generation, just like library did for me!