I cannot imagine my life without my local libraries. I have been housebound for a number of years and the capacity to borrow books from all over the state has saved my sanity as I kept my mind active when my body wasn’t. I use reference services frequently, deeply grateful that my city library has excellent reference librarians. Our libraries provide meeting space. I belong to several groups who make use of this. A five year old friend of mine makes heavy use of the children’s collections at two of our libraries. I frequently use the databases available via my library, magazine indexes, newspapers, encyclopedias and Kanopy for movies. I have borrowed ebooks.

Libraries have saved me thousands upon thousands of dollars. I read a lot and have a lot of different interests. If I had to buy every book I wanted to read or browse, I could never afford! Add to that a safe and pleasant place to spend time (again, for free!) and free programming and entertainment - I'd be much worse off without my local library!

I love Libby, and read an ebook nightly. I’m grateful to the free access to so many books!

Accessing books in person is so important for me. Digital access is not always possible, making free access to books, information and local resources in person to be of great importance. And really the only way I can access these things. Thank you.

I’m an enormous fan of the local libraries in Western Mass and the wide access that CWmars provides through the interlibrary exchange. I grew up in a local hill town and was often able to find books at the Jones Library that I wouldn’t have otherwise found at my smaller local library.

MA libraries have given me a sense of community, especially for my children. Through college, then the pandemic, and now with two young children I have found connections to resources, support and guidance, and my neighbors and community members. Library groups become cherished parts of my routine. Our communities and especially our children deserve access to libraries that is not infringed upon for political purposes.

I love all of the adult programming provided by my library, especially the craft nights and competitive puzzle nights. I read a lot and love that I can order books from so many other libraries. My elderly mother is a prolific reader, so it's wonderful to be able to order large-print books for her. We need to support our libraries!

I recently left a mammogram appointment in tears after being told they saw a suspicious spot which may need to be biopsied. I was terrified and didn’t feel like I was given all the information that I needed to understand what was happening or what to expect and I was too in shock to be able to think of the right questions to ask. On my way home, I stopped by my public library and found a book about breast health that helped me to understand the risk associated with the specific kind of spot they found, the percentage of patients that have these kinds of spots that turn out to be cancerous (very low) and what to expect next. Through their online catalog I found other books on the topic which were available at other libraries. Thanks to the cooperative nature of libraries in our state, and thanks to federal funding, I was able to place a hold on those books and have them delivered to my local library to pick up within a couple of days. These books alleviated my significant fears by giving me context and I now feel well-prepared to ask the right questions in future appointments. My library had what I needed precisely when I needed it because of knowledgeable staff that make sure their shelves are stocked with relevant materials for everyone. THANK YOU.

Despite being a busy medical student, my love for reading has never left me. Audiobooks have become my perfect middle ground as a result, and through Libby with the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, I am able to expand my understanding of different experiences through the various stories I listen to. I love how my library gives me these opportunities that can help me improve the lives of my future patients.

The Charlton Public Library was the first place I visited when I moved to town. Public libraries are the heart of every community and a place to find learning, peace and friendship. We must all take the time and effort to support the future funding of our libraries for our children and our communities. Once they are gone, we will regret our inaction.

I've loved and sought out my local library everywhere I've ever lived. I've helped to enrich my autistic nephews life by introducing him to the library as well. The books, services, events and knowledge is all priceless! We need our libraries!

Public libraries are some of my favorite places to visit. I consider them a vital community asset. I’ve had a library card since elementary school and have always loved browsing the stacks looking for my next good read. Books have always been one of my most beloved pastimes, a place to escape and explore new worlds, different cultures and ways of life. A way to learn new things and explore different ways of thinking. Some of my fondest memories are of taking my children to the library each week so they could select and check out their own library books and develop a lifelong love of books and reading. The library staff are wonderful people, they remember names and faces and are welcoming and kind to just about everyone. I’ve seen librarians being kind and patient with drug addicts visiting the library in the cold winter months. Libraries are a valuable and irreplaceable resource for everyone. A community without a fully functioning public library is a sad place, indeed. I hope I never have to live there.

As a new mom, our libraries have been a wonderful resource and a great way to meet other new moms and families. We love the toddler storytime and go several times a week to play or read books.

"We have been caring for my brother since 2018. He depends on supplemental oxygen 24/7 and cannot do any strenuous activities. The library books that he reads help pass the time and make each day more enjoyable. He has been reading two or more books per week, so they have been a great help to him and to us as caregivers. I have also personally read several books per month that I have sourced through our local library. It is a great resource for education and entertainment materials. Puzzle resources have also been helpful. We have used the library computers to fill out state forms that our nonprofit had to fill out as one of our members does not have one. The library also has been a neutral place to meet people and explore and discuss new ideas. I also appreciate the library's hospitality in hosting our weekly fiber arts group. The library provides a friendly, comfortable and well-lit environment for our meeting. We really appreciate all that our library does for us! Thank you!"

I can't believe we're even in this position. Libraries and access to art, music, film and literature are the basis of community and culture. Reading expands your mind, your knowledge base and increases your capacity for empathy and creativity.