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