The Pollard Memorial Library is my home away from home. When I need a break from work, I walk to the library and pick up my holds. It still amazes me that I can access any book from my wonderful local library. The staff is warm and welcoming. The space is often filled with laughter and chatter from chess groups, children's art and dance programs, or adult crafting. It is the hub of our community and it is all free. Lowell - we are lucky!

I am a voracious reader and my wonderful Porter Memorial Library in Blandford is able to keep me supplied with all the fiction and non fiction hardcover books that I love and the ebooks that my husband loves. We'd be lost without it and our incredible librarian!

I am a trustee of the Maynard Public Library, and I am intensely proud of my association with this beloved institution. As a historical researcher, libraries have been a cornerstone of my life for more than half a century. From grade school through college and graduate school to historical research, I have had the tremendous good fortune to research in libraries, large and small, public and private, and here and abroad. At every stop, I have had the pleasure of meeting some terrific people working at them: talented, interesting, unselfish, kind, and always ready to help. Maynard’s wonderful staff and director are among the very best I have met anywhere. Their matchless patience, creativity, and resourcefulness is inexhaustible, and, as we witnessed during the pandemic, they are unfailingly devoted to our diverse, and ever-diversifying, community. Without their support, my own researches into American history would not be nearly so fruitful. Libraries, I believe, are about community; they mirror the health and vitality of a community and they are fundamental to maintaining its vitality. They are indispensable to our democratic way of life. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best: “I have an unshakeable conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of using them” (Franklin D. Roosevelt, letter to Herbert Putnam, March 28, 1939). Over the years, as the town has grown and changed, I have marvelled as Maynard’s Public Library has adapted to the new circumstances. It has truly become what it aims to be, a hub for “self-education, culture, recreation, and information for people of all ages.” (MPL website)

We are appreciative of our little Blandford library. We joined the mornings for children about 20 years ago with our little boy. He was hooked on books and has read many in his life . We started him early in life and he is now so smart , doing wonderful in college , and has become a wonderful person . We met new people in the library programs and became friends. So thank you Blandford library for offering so much to our youngsters .

My 5 year old son loves going to the library to check out books and play! He loves reading and the library helps make reading exciting for him. I've also read way more since getting our family library card. Our library is an inclusive and very comforting environment that provides so many important resources and events for the community.

I'm housebound and almost completely bedbound. Reading is how I pass a lot of the time when I'm able to handle an ebook screen, or if I have to lie in the dark with my eyes closed, I listen to audiobooks. I wouldn't be able to do these things without my local library (and BPL!) because I can't afford to purchase every single book I read. Very few people can afford that. I also borrow physical books, DVDs, and video games through my library system (sometimes through ComCat if needed), because I can't afford the 20 different streaming services out there (plus lots of things aren't streaming anywhere anymore!). Please fight for the IMLS so people like me can continue to have access to books, movies, TV shows, games, etc.

I like how there are chapter books at the library. like the ones about Franklin.

Having moved to Becket from Alaska - the word "athenaeum" was new. It took a few months to realize it's meaning! A call from Jane to join the Book Club came soon after. It and our "A" have been a treasure these past 22 years. I feel at home there - always greeted and treated so warmly. Thank to all, June

I use Libby every single day! It's such a great way to listen to audiobooks.

Libraries are places of equity, offering information and community experiences. I always remember my gramma wheeling me in a little red wagon to pick up books to read.

When I was a child you needed to be able to write your name to get a library card. One of my earliest memories is of the pride and excitement I felt when I could finally sign my name and get my own card. The library has always been my sanctuary no matter where I have lived.

My favorite library moment was when the bookmobile pulled into our driveway. We four girls rushed in to select books to read. A stay at home mother meant no car to drive to the library and so "it" came to me. We grew up in Becket during the 50's and all became lifelong readers.

Libraries introduced a love of reading into my life through the library story time. Now I get to help with story time at my local library to give others that same opportunity to love books!

Reading books, reading books that show us science things + how to do stuff like airplanes.

When I was younger my mugga would bring me to the Dalton Library for Story time & I would eat animal crackers & apple juice & she's the reason why I love to read <3

Hi. My name is Pat. I bring my therapy dog Daisy to the library. Children read her stories. When she comes to the library she is wild but after kids read to her she is relaxed. We love our library time with After School Kids! Thanks for inviting us here.

I remember playing 4 Square in the parking lot when I was in the Kids Club

The Amesbury Public Library has provided me with a place to connect, learn, create, and explore! I have been able to watch nostalgic movies, borrow a sewing machine for projects, attend interesting classes with my neighbors who I’d have otherwise not met - and more. Libraries everywhere are important but Amesbury’s Library, and the people who are the heart of it, is truly integral to our community.