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!