The libraries have been instrumental to me in times of financial struggle. As a recent college graduate, the resources and community the libraries offer is unmatched and has helped me stay afloat and spark my creativity in times of need!

My local public library is an embodiment of true love for the Chicopee community. It enriches all of our lives by exposing us to worlds that are beyond our busy, difficult daily lives. My Chicopee public library allows us to dream beyond our current circumstances.

Though I live in a different town now, I will always have such fond memories of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, which was a safe and welcoming place for me for my entire childhood. I spent so much time with Gray, a former librarian, as a kid, it wasn't even funny. The librarians would always make time for me, whether I was looking for books, wanted to know what was in the big sarcophagus in the children's section, access a study room, or just chat. I used to have girl scout meetings weekly in one of the rooms you can reserve. I attended many a summer reading event (including visits from the zoo!!). But the best memory I have of the library in my hometown is when I got to sleep over there. I won the summer reading raffle when I was 11 (surprising no one, because my voracious reading was unmatched) and got to bring several of my friends to an after-hours slumber party. We were accompanied by two librarians who let us have the run of the place, made us chocolate chip cookies, and set us up with a movie on the big projector screen. It was genuinely a magical experience that I will never forget, even now that it is half a lifetime away. Thank you to all the wonderful librarians at the Beebe, and thanks especially to Gray. <3

I love my library so much! I recently moved to town and went in to get a library card (right before closing). The librarians made me feel so welcome; they took time to set up my card, explain all their resources, and even gave me a tour of the library! It is such a wonderful space with so many resources beyond just books. They have movies, wifi hotspots, puzzles, KAYAKS?!, and so much more for folks to use. My favorite thing has got to be Libby, though. I LOVE the convenience of checking out e-books and reading them anywhere. As someone who spent much of their childhood hauling physical books everywhere, it's so nice to have the option to just carry my e-reader around AND still support the library. I LOVE LIBRARIES!! <3

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.

Libraries are essential for learning, for community, for the free exchange of ideas—and all are central to democracy. Westwood librarians are smart, responsive, accessible and inclusive, a crucial part of the vibrancy of our town.

I have loved engaging in my areas local libraries, seeking game nights, puzzles, books to read and more. I have brought clients there for events as a community aid to increase socialization.

I love my library because not only do I always find everything I look for, but the staff of the Westfield Mass Atheneum are so helpful!

I love to use the Libby app on my Kindle to support my local libraries and save money on books!

I love that I can host events at my library. I love that when checking out items, whether it be books, dvd's, magazines or a specialty item like a portable cd player, I can bring it back. I don't have to spend money to read a book. The library provides an emergency workplace when I need it. When I moved homes, the one I am currently living now, I didn't have internet access my first week in my new home. Library has wifi access that I was still able to keep up my Zoom appointments.

My love of reading has been ingrained in me by my family since early childhood. My memories of going to Ludlow‘s Hubbard Memorial library in walking out with a stack of books as a child always come to mind when I go to revisit my local library. As a teacher, I tried to encourage my students to always go to library for any services they might offer. Libraries are and hopefully will continue to always be an important piece of every community.