The library is important to people for a variety of reasons. Why is the library important to you? If you haven't submitted your story yet, here's your chance!
I love the N. Amherst/Amherst Libraries! The North Amherst library is central to making N. Amherst feel like its own town. Libraries are wonderful - it's great to borrow books and then give them back without spending more or taking up space in my house. The N. Amherst library is a jewel in my life - I can walk there and I can request any book to be delivered there. I would be devastated to lose the N. Amherst library or The Jones. --Amy
It helps me heaps! --Karen
Source of complete information and help finding it. Internet rarely gets me what I need. Recommendations (new book shelves) among new books. Source of "golden oldies." --Carl
I like the books and movies and the toys. --Lucas
I have used public libraries since the age of 6 when I got my first library card. In Elementary School and Junior High a friend and I went together to the library every week and took out as many books as we could carry. Our family had no money to buy books, but thanks to the library, I never lacked for books to read. My husband and I lived and worked in a third world country where free libraries were unknown so I have an even greater appreciation for the many benefits we have in the Amherst libraries. -- Pauline
As a newlywed, I really appreciate the plethora of cookbooks I can check out; it's made learning how to cook free, fabulous, and fun! We also go on a "library date" at least once a week to check out books and movies. It helps us keep our budget in check while allowing us to read as much as we want! -- The Z Family
I've borrowed books from the Jones Library since arriving in Amherst in 1976. I've become smarter for doing that. How do I know? I'm well off and I believe the books had something to do with that outcome. You can learn a lot just by reading stuff that other people did. Knowledge is money. -- Howard S.
Our whole family likes to read, but we could never buy all the books we read, and we wouldn't want to. Going to Jones Library has been a fun, free outing for our son (now 12) ever since he was a baby. We have an old computer at home and no printer, so we have come to rely on Jones Library for printing and viewing some online media that don't work on our computer. Jones Library is also a place for us to read magazines and newspapers that we don't subscribe to, and we often meet friends there. -- Carol
It is the only facility that this town has that everyone enjoys and can participate in. We use it every week, sometimes several times a week. The service people at the desks are wonderful and always go out to their way to help whatever is needed. I now save $6 a week because of the library. When the Sunday NY Times increased their price to $6 I refused to buy it. The only reason I did buy it was for the crossword puzzle to which my wife and I are addicted. Now I make 2 copies of the puzzle for 20 cents on the copy machine. -- Howard G.
books and libraries are and always have been essential to my life... the jones library in amherst,Mass. is a part of my daily life... i visit the library 2 or 3 times a week...i read magazines that i can't afford to purchase...and browse through books that don't always borrow....i chat for a minute or two with one of the staff(all of whom i consider friends)..i borrow books both print and taped, dvds, cds of music.. if anyone were to ask me what the true nobility of spirit of the united states of amerca is..i would have to respond...the public libraries of america.. they allow me to borrow books, and trust that i will return them so that somone else may enjoy those same books...and can you imagine it is without cost to me or any other patron... public libraries are as essential to me as the air i breathe.... -- Jean
The Jones Library, and the N. Amherst branch in particular, are incredibly important to me. As a lifelone avid reader, I would be absolutely lost without access to all the books and other materials that our libraries provide. There is no way I and all the people who use the libraries would ever be able to afford the many wonderful books, magazines, dvds, etc. that are available. In these depressing economic times, we need libraries more than ever. They are our educational, cultural and social centers and we cannot afford to be without them. -- Linda
I Love Going To Any Library In The Amherst Area, Its Also Great Cause You Can Put Holds On Books, Blue Ray Discs, Videos, Dvd's etc if one library doesnt have that particular item the cuts im not so happy with which is hard for me to adjust other than that i love all three librarys here in the amherst area. -- Kevin
As a person on a fixed income, I get materials from the library as least 4 to 5 days a week. I have some vision problems and use books on tape a lot. they are very expensive to rent and books on tape doesn't rent anymore. More cuts to the library would be devestating to me and people on fixed incomes everywhere. -- Ashley
The library allows me to read many many books. It is an important part of my life. -- Helen
I drive to Amherst from Greenfield every day. I DEPEND on the library for books on CD. I love being able to go online and find what would like to read and know it will show up a few days later!! Thanks so much!!! -- Nicky
A good library that is accessible to the community is absolutely vital. The library provides a wealth of information and services. Being able to find new books and beloved older books is always the highlight of my week. The Amherst libraries have a welcoming atmosphere and great collections. During a recession the library is like a trusted best friend to many of us. Cuts in hours, new books and services at such a crucial time would be a huge disappointment and a huge burden to those who are already overburdened and dependent on the library for job resources, entertainment, vital information etc. etc. etc. -- Sara
Cuts? You must be kidding. The library is the only internet access I have. I use it to look for a job. I may soon be homeless. The state can spend the money now or spend more later. -- Steve
This page last updated on Nov. 25, 2009.