Libraries have provided me the opportunity to read new books with my toddler!

Growing up in the small town of Nahant, I loved my local library and went almost every day. My local librarians always made me feel safe, welcome, and at home. As an adult living at home during the Covid pandemic and facing unemployment upon finishing my graduate degree, my WiFi crashed right before a big virtual job interview. In a panic, I went to the library. They set me up in a private room, helped me get settled, and wished me luck. Libraries like the Nahant Public Library are a lifeline for children and for their communities. I love the Nahant Public Library!

I woudl be nothing without Massachusetts libraries. I regularly borrow from the Agawam Public Library. I belong to book clubs at both the Agawam and West Springfield libraries. I use interlibrary loan to receive books from all over the Commonwealth. I attend library events and want to commit to even more! During my time in grad school, I also used the Boston Public Library online to access articles. Simply put, libraries have greatly impacted my life and I feel like to be in a state that continues the support of libraries.

I love libraries! The library is the heart of my community. I am an avid visual and audio reader and always have multiple books on loan. I'm also an elementary teacher and have supplimented curriculum by borrowing beautiful picture books to help solidify concepts and ideas. The library has been a place to host Girl Scout meetings. My children have used the library as a space to study. I have also taught a class at the library thanks to funding from the funds of the Maynard Library.

The first thing I did when I moved to Maynard was to get a library card. As a new resident, the library was a source of welcome and respite. We love libraries for books and research, but we forget about all the other resources: help with job searches, language lessons, clubs, local author readings, community gatherings, and more! I love how this library has connected me and brought me into the community. A huge shoutout to the Maynard Library librarians: you are dedicated, engaged, and here to help!

Libraries have always been a big part of my life growing up. Now that we have settled in a wonderful town while raising kids, I wanted to make sure that libraries would be as significant to them as they were to me. Lunenburg Public Library has become my son's "hang out" spot for him and his friends on Friday late afternoon/evening. They talk in school and make plans to meet at the library every Friday. It's hard to describe how I feel seeing my child grow up in such a wonderful community and making friends and participating in activities and events the Children's Room has to offer. They truly offer so much! My children have a passion for reading and the variety of books (and now audiobooks for my oldest) has really helped their love of reading and learning to read on their own. Thank you Lunenburg Public Library and all Massachusetts libraries for doing so much in our communities.

When considering whether I should return to public school teaching after a 5 year break, I asked my public librarian how I get a job like hers because I found myself in the library every week. She explained 2 available career paths: school and public librarianship. I am now happily completing my 24th year as a school librarian. Without her knowledge and kindness, I'm not sure where my professional journey would have taken me amd I am so very grateful to be part of this profession.

Please don’t cut federal funding for libraries, I often go to Robbins Library in Arlington, MA Go often take travel DVDs, and movies, attend poetry readings, Quiet places to go to relax . Libraries are important places in life.