I have been a patron of the Attleboro Public Library for over 40 years. I grew up visiting the library mostly to borrow books, but also utilized the genealogical research room and microfilms with my mother when working on our family history. Once I had my own children, I started taking them to APL as well. They each received their own library card, and we have attended a variety of interesting, educational, and entertaining programs at APL over the years. In addition, the APL museum passes have allowed us to explore places at a discounted rate that we might not have been able to visit otherwise. I have recently started volunteering at APL in order to give back to the place that has given so much to me.

My son and I started attending a parent-child book club at Attleboro Public Library when he was in elementary school. Each month, we looked forward to reading the chosen book aloud together and discussing it, and he formed several friendships through book club as well. In addition to attending book clubs for five years, he also attended many programs that APL offered, and now, as a high schooler, he has chosen to become an APL teen volunteer.

We have been taking our 15 year old son to the Attleboro Public Library since he was an infant. Over the years, we have borrowed books, board games, video games, movies, CDs, hot spots to use on road trips, and even a MOBYpack to explore nature a little more closely. APL also encourages him to continue reading during the summer by providing him the opportunity to participate in a summer reading program. Last year, he approached APL staff about starting a Dungeons & Dragons group for middle and high schoolers, and now he volunteers his time at APL as the Dungeon Master for that age group.

The first thing I did when I moved to the Berkshires 15 years ago was get a library card. Since then I have served two terms on the library Board of Trustees; attended literary seminars at the library; joined the weekly knitting group; participated in writing workshops and art classes; presented poetry evenings and borrowed hundreds and hundreds of books. I love my local library!

They have so many things for my grand children like book readings. They also help people learn English.

Griswold Memorial Library helped me rejuvenate and advance my career!

I work for a public library, and I've seen the impact that this institution has had on our patrons. Not only do we provide reading materials for education and escapism during difficult times, but we also offer critical resources for people from all walks of life. People struggling with unemployment or housing insecurity use our computers and resources to find jobs and housing. Children learn important skills, such as motor skills, reading skills, empathy skills, etc. through our resources and programming. Our memory kits provide support for those suffering from Alzheimer's or Dementia. The number of services we provide for our patrons is uncountable and irreplaceable. The loss of funding and support to our local public libraries would be immediately devastating, both in the education of our youth and the lifelong curiosity of our adult population.

The online resources that the library provides has been a huge help while making a career change. Between resume and cover letter templates to FREE online learning, it has given me the confidence while making this change. In a world where streaming and cable prices are skyrocketing, I've been able to continue watching new shows and movies while maintaining my budget. I love being able to use the museum pass program and visit local cultural institutions at free or reduce cost.

We love our local library. As a homeschooling stay at home mom the library provides an essential place for my kids to meet new friends (specially in colder months) as well as providing fun activities and opportunities to learn new things. If these resources disappear, many kids will have one less safe space to play and grow in. We cannot let the libraries disappear!

Love the library system here! I go to 2 book discussions a month plus I read 2 to 3 books a month. I especially like the architecture of the older libraries. The libraries are well staffed. Employees and volunteers are polite and helpful.

As a new resident of Agawam, I feel so blessed to have discovered Agawam library. Not only is it a great place to hang out and read periodicals, it also has an open and encouraging physical vibe with lots of light making it a place that one wants to be. More importantly, it has an amazing number of programs and presentations that provide both stimulation and education. I'm fortunate to attend the Non-Fiction book group which has expanded the range of non-fiction reading that I do and also been a source for making new friends. I have attended everything from a chair yoga class to a presentation by an author online, and participated in two reading challenges within a year. Every librarian that I've encountered has been unfailingly helpful and friendly. I would not be a very happy camper in Agawam without the library.

I've depended on public libraries ever since I learned to read. They are invaluable as a resource for everyone, and with all the services and programing -they are so much more than a house for books. Libraries are truly assets to our communities. Everyone deserves access to a free and public library. Shout out to Merrimac and G.A.R. Memorial libraries as my life-long partners in information!