vital part of communities

The Evesham Library has helped my family by being a place where my toddler can experience all sorts of wonderful programs and interact with his peers, other adults, and even, at times, dogs! The Evesham Library has helped me to broaden my toddler's horizons through both actual experiences, and through all of the wonderful books, children's music cds, and educational DVDs we borrow. The librarians are always helpful and friendly and so sweet that my son can't help but be comfortable there.

The library continues to be a safe, healthy place to learn and grow. Children who are taught to read and research make better choices as adults during difficult economy times and changing social economics. In this economy, I have adjusted my living and spending budget, however the bigger loss I see is to the families that will be impacted by the loss of library funding.  At my library, I was able to access online the listing for my long time home which I had to put up for sale due to a mistake in mortgage paperwork.

The library has been a great tool in my work with the youth in my community. I bring a group of teens to the library on a weekly basis from a group home, and we are able to keep the youth occupied and out of trouble for that amount of time. In addition, the youth spend the bulk of their time on the internet learning how to type and researching colleges and various other activities that they would not be able to do without the use of the computers. It is so important for the youths to be able to do these things to ensure that they have a better future.

In the present economic situation, my family and I are now walking more instead of wasting money on gas. The library has helped me by providing a close place to walk to. Its services are free of charge, and it creates a safe and stable environment in my neighborhood. Carmel, Browns-Mills Library

I am a touch beyond the "computer age" years. As such, I never purchased a PC. Over the years, as a business executive, I was able to teach myself an awful lot about the PC and the Internet, more specifically. I also took a graphics class in 2003 and got certification from the school. The point being is that the computer has become a central part of my life, career and research (into old events, old friends and new opportunities.) The library offers me access to these worlds.

The town library is such a strong link to the community that it is a natural resource for a new non-profit program looking to recruit local volunteers. It is more difficult to reach working adults and new retirees these days, but the library is a prime location to find people looking to better themselves.

  My husband's company has not given raises in almost four years. In addition to that, last year there was a 12.5% pay cut across the board. We cannot not purchase the literature books needed to teach. Obtaining them from the library is non-negotiable.

"With great passion and respect, I, Gnanaseharan Selliah of Newark, NJ, would like to comment on the wonderful educational and community services rendered by the great Newark Public Library.

Thankfully, we have not yet been touched [by these tough economic times]  but our children have had difficulty finding jobs in spite of their academic achievements and College and Graduate Degrees. The library is a great place to go for information, terrific educational programs and helping to support our Sustainable Cranford initiatives.  Geri, Cranford Public Library

Libraries are truly the "root system of our world"! I discovered this truism when at the age of 12, I became a volunteer at the Camden County Library, where my aunt was head librarian. In the 50's, you did not need a college education to hold such a position, and my aunt was one of the "first" women to become head librarian without a college degree. She was so intelligent and her love of people and books made a lasting imprint on me. Later, as a young girl in Cumberland County, I volunteered in my home town library.