After learning about the proposed cuts to the library budget, teens at Jefferson Market wrote about how much the library means to them, how important it is to their lives, and why it is so urgent to keep them open.

The libraries need to stay open. They are important to many people. Reading is a really a big part of my life as a writer. My opinion is that books are the doors into infinite places and creativity comes from reading. People need books to learn new things. Books open my mind—it’s my key to my fantasy world. Also, not only for fantasy, books also keep everyone informed and teach everyone something new. The library is the key to life, if it were to be gone, then life is gone too.
-R.G.

Libraries are important in the sense of what they have to offer. They are both a learning facility, a hang-out area, and a recreational area. Libraries contain a vast source of information that is setup and cataloged in such a way that people can both easily access it and acquire the source rapidly. Without libraries, there may be a decrease in people’s interest in reading. The main source of people’s interest for reading is sparked by visits made by librarians to different learning institutions, such as schools. A library also helps people when they are in need of a job. A library is a common place where many people come together and at times, congregate on a book, topic, or point of interest. A very good thing about libraries in that they offer resources that many places won’t offer or offer for free. Personally, I like libraries because I don’t have to buy a book, I can just borrow it from a library and read it in several days and just go back for more. The library’s website is very crucial as well because at times you may not be able to go to a library near you, so just by going online you can renew or order a book. Getting rid of libraries is like removing a large resource for our society.
-K.P.

The library is important because people need a place where they could read a book and be able to take out books—where they can enjoy instead of buying the book because some people can’t afford the books. It also helps kids stay out of the street and not go doing wrong things. It shows kids they can have fun in a library and learn new things everyday.
-A

The library is important not only for teens but for all ages. Anyone can come and get a free library card and take out books for research, a project, or for everyday reading. Libraries are very important for any community and should continue to be available for all. They play an important role in continuing to educate and better ourselves.
-A.P.

The budget cut on libraries would affect the people of society because it would lower the education levels of students and young people. A library is significant for education and a place to keep young people off the street and more interested in books due to the variety of books that exist. The library is a place where we are introduced to new authors and find books that we can relate to. The budget cut will affect the number of books that come into the library and visitors will have a lower number of options to choose from.
-F.A.

I love the library, it’s the one place I can go to, to work, and to find and explore a new world. It’s not like school, it’s more of a place you can work in your own way and get an education in your own creative mind. If there are no libraries, I wouldn’t know how to expand my creativity especially since I am a writer. Books always help to write new fresh stories and poetry.
-H