The library has been an important part of my life in Colrain not only as my primary source for books and other media. I've served on the Boards of Trustees participated in book clubs and met with local candidates running for office. Community events sponsored by the Library offer adult enrichment service in so ways. We'd be lost as a community without it.

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!!

I use our local Griswold Memorial Library to make copies a lot since I don't have a printer and to take out books since our budget is tight and I can't buy as many books as I would like. Also our library does many community driven events that bring people together in educational ways.

I’ve been going to libraries my whole life. The library introduced me to Goose Bumps and Sweet Valley High when I was a kid and to Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and John Irving when I was an adult. When I was looking for colleges, the first thing I looked for was the library and how good it was. Thankfully, the University of NH had a great library! When I bought my first condo here in Agawam, the first thing I looked for was the library. And it’s wonderful! Libraries have been a place of wonder and awe for me. I’ve learned so much. Please continue to fight for our libraries!