Empowered by Libraries

Our family is so grateful for the Bellingham Public Library. My children have benefited from the many children’s programs since they were babies and still continue to now as elementary homeschoolers. From preschool story times to learning the alphabet, to now learning chess and developing research skills, there is always something we’re excited for. I have also loved the adult programs as a way to learn and to spend time with people from my community. We each have our own library card and check out hundreds of books each month! The library is truly the cornerstone of our community as well as the foundation for my family and our homeschool life.

Woburn Public Library is so gorgeous that I bring all my out of town guests here and it's always a safe place for me to go and everyone is always so friendly and helpful.

My kids and I love the WPL staff! Always so friendly and helpful. We love spending time here, playing games, participating in the abundant events and of course, reading! Thank you all.

Roses are red Violets are blue I love reading and I think you do too! Have a good day!

The Norwell library has been an incredible resource. It has helped get me out with my babies/toddlers. They enjoy playing in the children's room and attending story time and I'm able to meet other caregivers. I also have gotten back into reading thanks to the library. I've been checking out many books for myself and my children (who love to read). The space is also very nice and a great place to relax with a book.

Love, love, love the Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield. I borrow books, use Libby, go to the programs and love the museum passes. A wonderful part of our town.

As I child, I grew up poor ,and a book was a luxury my parents could not afford. The library became my version of paradise! It literally opened the world via books. I recall our first grade teacher arranging a field trip and getting each of us our first library cards! I learned to love reading and literature. Today, I am a published poet and writer and mentor to others. The library made it possible. Many kids have little access to books, Senior Citizens can not afford magazines and newspaper subscriptions or have computers, Libraries offer all of this plus movies, lectures, craft projects, places to gather. A library is the physical structure representing the best of our humanity!!

Love reading the paper in a cozy friendly setting. Staff helpful and supportive- lots of community programs!

Plumb Library is the heartbeat of our little town. There is something for everyone through those green doors! We are so fortunate to have the most welcoming, knowledgeable staff that are always willing to go above and beyond!

Libraries in general have given me so much that it would be impossible to ever return the favor. Beverly public library in particular has given me hours upon hours of access to books that have changed my life, fed my curiosity, and opened my mind to countless perspectives both fictional and non. I’m grateful for the computer and printer access when necessary. There’s been many occasions I’ve utilized the discounted museum passes too. Thank you for keeping art and books accessible! It’s important work and needs to be protected at all costs!

My daughter gets very excited when I tell her that we are going to the library. Thanks to those visits to the library I was able to get her to love reading again. When we get to the library she has a lot of fun choosing which new books she will read this time. She always chooses more than 5, I am very happy with all this. Thank you to all of you who make it possible for this library to remain open at no cost to those of us who still believe in the power of reading. Thank you!

1. Reading confidence 2. Improved grades 3. Increased family time 4. Fun when bored 5. Fun events for families 6. Free books 7. Helped to learn chess 8. Make new friends 9. Keeps me connected to the community 10. Keeps kids busy with constructive activities 11. Saves money! 12. Socialization is easier

I really like the Sharon public library because they have fun crafts that let me interact with other kids!

The Sharon public library has made books and other resources available to our town community, I love working there. Some books are tough to find outside of the library and the vast collection allows anyone to find whatever book they need.

I thought that the arrival of the personal computer would spell the end of the public library. Not only didn't that happen, but the library -- both in person and virtually -- is in some ways more important to people than ever. It remains a vital resource for our community. I think of the Norton Public Library as the real heart of our town. People of all ages consider it theirs. Which it is. Libraries deserve all the support they can get from our local and state legislators. Thank you. Robert Lovinger

Joseph Plumb Memorial Library in Rochester supports my child care center! The librarians help provide a variety of books to build upon our youngest learners early education curriculum! I’m able to reserve books for all our classrooms and switch them every couple weeks to keep our classroom books interesting for our students! This helps us keep costs down & stay eco-conscious as we don’t need to purchase all the books we use but can share with our community!

My library helps me access books for adult learning about my career and interests in creative ways! Especially the CWMars system. I get so many gorgeous books about architecture. Chelsea always has a great recommendation and does so much to facilitate community engagement. I am so grateful for GML and only wish there were more hours!

It has helped me to connect with other members of my community, and to learn new skills (knitting).

My library has helped me find a love for reading and a way to be a part of my community.

The Manchester-by-the-Sea library is a treasure in this town, it makes my life richer through: * active monthly book discussions with Mystery Book Club and Hearthside Book Club * lots of good choices for checking out current and older material, or requesting titles from a consortium library * robust and informative databases * easy to use e-books, magazines and audiobooks through Libby * museum passes * a variety of programs for all ages * a cozy fireplace to enjoy while catching up with the local newspaper or magazines * fabulous and dedicated staff

We love our public library in Hull for story times, fun events and the books we need for our kids!

We are so lucky to have a library that provides such amazing programs. Thank you.

The library provides the opportunity to meet with other members of my community and explore new hobbies and topics that I wouldn't otherwise be able to.