The best memory I have of the Fresno Public Library is the day it opened. It has brought so many books and movies and a great place for research in this small town of Tranquillity. And if you ask me, yes the library has changed my life. It has opened its doors for give me a place to do my homework. I visit the library because of the nice staff . Tina the librarian is a great person to be in the library working. The Fresno County Public Library deserves everyone's support because without the support of others, the library could be shut down. I learned from the books the library has. It showed me a world of adventure. The library staff has helped me understand the meaning of words and how to check out books. This is my story. The Fresno Public Library story. Fabian G. - Tranquillity

I'm so happy that I have a local library to visit and get amazing books from! I love coming to the library in my spare time, its so quiet and the librarians are so helpful! - Jasmeet C., Fresno

I work at the Woodward Park Library. Today, a woman came in and said "I don't mind paying library fees, it is for a good cause"! She than said, "I am so glad Measure B passed, On the night of the election, as my husband and watched the results on TV, I said "Forget about who is to be president, DID MEASURE B PASS??" - Donna R., Fresno

The thing about libraries is that they withstand the test of time. Even in our ever-evolving age of technology, we see that people need books. No matter your age, gender, or race, the library has a way of connecting you with the masses by way of all of its glorious books. Every time I pick out a library book, I get to experience so many new lives: the author's, the main character's, and even my own life relative to what I am reading. I imagine the generations of people who have read the same words I am privileged to read, the many hands that have lovingly held the book and turned its pages, the lives that have been touched by the stories told... It's a fantastic, yet humbling sensation. - Andrea B., Fresno

[I'm] so thankful for the library. It's right next door! Classic movies available. Love biographies. If it doesn't have the book I want or need, they get it for me. Quiet. Great hours. Very helpful staff. And really good current books too. - Dana G., Fresno

When I was in the 4th grade I received my own library card at school. I felt I was the richest little girl in school. Reading has given me many hours of pleasure and education. Thank you for making that possible. - Anonymous, Fresno

Growing up in the 1950s, I didn't really realize that my parents and grandparents were trying to put their lives back together after World War II. I just remember being careful of where and how much we spent our time and money. We were either working or studying for school. In the third grade, my father encouraged me to get my own library card with my own signature and special imprinted metal number plate on a blue card all without any cost. I was very responsible to avoid any overdue fines of 5 cents a day. Today I still think the library system is fantastic for all the services that it provides. I still borrow library books as a preview before purchase. I think I always have something checked out everyday of my life. I can spend hours working on Family History using the Genealogy Library downtown. I support the Friends of Sunnyside Library by buying and donating books. - Jeanne N., Fresno

My local library is a great place for me to study. I want to work at the zoo when I get older. And I need knowledge to work there. And the library has books to help me. I love my library and I want people to love their libaries too. - Gavin G., D

When I was in 5th or 6th grade I was interested in reading the original books & stories from which some classic movies were made (i.e. Time Machine, Invisible Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, etc.) I went to my school library and was basically told that those books were only available when I got to High School. I then decided to go to my local [public] library which was in Long Beach, CA and checked out the books from there and later went back to the school library and pointed out the fact to the school librarian. Michael R., Fresno

When I was a child, I used to come to the library almost every day. It was a safe place to be where I could get help with my homework and indulge my love of reading in a safe and caring environment. The library was like a second home for me. Now that Im a mom, I love to bring my son here too. Jennifer B., Fresno

As a pastor of a local church it is important to me and my congregation to support our local library. The library is an integral part of community life. In these days of reduced financing, the library supplies needed resources for our schools, job seekers and others. And there are lots of good books to read. Natalie C., Fresno

I have problems bonding with my family at home and everytime I come to the library I feel at peace. I've came with my mom before and we enjoy reading the books together. They have a great selection of books and movies here. - Guadalupe S., Fresno

When I was young, I did not have internet access or any reference book sitting on my shelf. The library was my lifesaver and helped me with my challenging homework. Without the help of libraries, I could not have done it. Also, I love going to the library. It is fill with kind librarians who are always willing to help, and it has numerous books that are entertaining like knitting, drawing, and making origami as well as informative one like how to take care of your child. Not only does it have an abundant books and helpful librarians, the library with its quiet environment is an ideal work place to do your homework, to do group project (because library have numerous sources), and to take a break reading your favorite book. - Mai chao Y., Fresno

I am so grateful that Fresno library offers internet access. In these times of economic uncertainty, many of us cannot afford to buy computers, or cannot afford to have broadband at home. So, internet access and wifi at the library have enabled me to stay connected via Facebook. I also was able to complete a web-based class at Fresno City college, via Fresno Library's internet resources. I didn't have to commute to FCC, deal with parking, etc; I completed the whole class (a six week summer course) almost entirely from the Fresno (Central) Library. I thank Fresno Library, and particularly, "Friends of the Fresno Library", for enabling me to pursue my educational goals - Steven L., Fresno

When I sat down, I read a story to my cousin and she kept saying "Wow!" - Emily, Fresno

I am a staff member here at the Woodward Park Library. Today a gentleman came in who had just moved here from Oregon. He told me he had to turn in his library card before coming here and it really "shook him up" as he put it. He also said he felt empty without it. When he came to Fresno, the first thing he did was apply for a Library Card. When I handed him his card, he exclaimed "Wonderful! And thank you so much! When anyone gets a library card handed to them, they get the world handed to them." - Donna R., Fresno

Every time I go to the library, it's always my best memories. Many of the library books had changed my life in many ways. Some makes me feel encouraged and some even made me move toward in life. at first, I visit the library to check out books for my school project. Then I realized that there are more books that can help my life and help me change. So I Just started coming to the library whenever I had time. The Fresno County Public Library deserves everyone's support because it is a place where people go and get social with others. It provides students with homework help and has programs to encourage them to learn. During my time at the library, I have met many different people who shares the same passion as I do. I have learned a lot while being at the library, like being cooperative and social. The library staff are very helpful. They help organize the books to their rightful places, help the customers find the books that they want, and lots more. I just want to thank the staffs and board members for having created the Fresno County Public Library. I hope that it will continue to exist for my children and grandchildren in the future. - Pa Zao Yang, Fresno

Ever since I could remember libraries were my home. My father enjoyed reading religious materials and soon found out that the children's section of the library could keep my brother and I grounded safe until he finished his research to his satifaction. One of my biggest memories was our red wagon that my dad used to haul us everywhere, instead of a stroller. My sibling and I would raid the children's section and wheel out with bags of kiddie books. I think that adults got a kick out of seeing us straddling the wagon with a paper grocery bag perched in front of us. I would say that books expanded our vocabulary, writing skills, and definitely helped us with our education. So many "old" people were astonished by our speaking ability. Little kids were just not supposed to know that many words! I think that emphasis on reading gave us the advantage that my peers and the younger generations are missing out on, playing PS3, Wii, etc. instead of using their imagination and word power. Thank you Library! - Hazel-Faye, Fresno

The library has always been a part of my life. I was an only child raised by grandparents. Reading was a big part of my entertainment. The first experience was our library at school. From there I learned of the bookmobile at Shields and West in the Bank of America parking lot, where I could ride my bike and not even have to lock it up....It was a long time ago. I then was able to branch out to the Gillis Library on my bike of course but then locked it up. When I was entering Junior High we had a library at school and also in High School. I will read anything except Sci-fi....do not understand it. I passed the library life along to my kids and they were lucky enough to have the Auberry Library growing up. The Library is a place to grow and now I am lucky enough to work in one as well. - Karen C., Tollhouse

I grew up in San Francisco and discovered a deep love of books at a very young age. My favorite memories included walking 12 blocks to our neighborhood library, half a block to the library near my Grandma's house, and taking Muni to the Main Library in Downtown San Francisco. It was at the library that I discovered a fascination with microfiche, learned to appreciate the ability to try new things, and that discovery of new favorites is the best part of the experience. The best memory is when I was 10 and I walked to check out armed with my library card and 20 books. The librarian smiled and told me I could only check out five as I already had 15 books checked out from the week prior. I was shocked that there was a limit and I spent half an hour deciding which books were most important. From then on, I kept a list of books, their locations, and their rank of importance.

Fresno County libraries will be where I take my children to discover their favorite books. They will be the place to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon and a place where we can get lost in a world created by someone else. Don't ever forget that books are an art form. We may be in the digital age but that doesn't mean that we don't need books or librarians. - Melanie, Kingsburg

My fondest memory of the Fresno Downtown Library was the day my grandmother took us to the children's section to hear a story read. Since then it has become my second church. When I had to go back to school,I needed so many new skills. The librarians were helpful with all aspects including preparation for the entrance exam.I couldn't have created a better quality of life without it. From cooking on a budget to preparing for retirement and anything in between. They are THE first place to go before making any important decision including where to look for a job. The public library should be the first stop in public funding because it prevents poverty and ignorance and thereby human suffering. If your children complain about being bored,encourage them to seek out activities at your local public library. - Deborah B., Fresno

We are a family of readers and you know you can spend a lot of money on books at the bookstore, and here [at the Library] it’s free. - Deborah D.

Not only did I find that “talking books” helped pass the long hours of recovery from various eye surgeries, they helped me see and understand parts of the world and people that I would never have met, including many in my own neighborhood. The Library and reading have empowered me, and so many others, with greater understanding and confidence. - Vernon C.

In a small town such as Fowler, increasing literacy skills, being visible in the community, supporting our schools and reaching out to youth are important values. The Library program encompasses all of these values. - Gloria R.

When my mother moved here [assisted living], she told me there was no way that she was ever going to read again. Then, she discovered the bookmobile. I just want to thank you and let you know that you and the bookmobile and staff changed my mother’s life, and especially saw her through these last few weeks of her life. - Anonymous

I know [my child’s] familiarity with the library setting will be an asset for him in the future as this will be a safe place that he is going to equate with enjoyment. This would not have happened without the lapsits we attend each week. I hope that even though budgets are tight, these crucial services will continue. Many parents and children would be at a great disadvantage if library services were eliminated. I would be especially disappointed to lose such a wonderful resource that our family cherishes. - April J.

My son and I both love the library. It's our special mommy and son time. He's almost 5 and loves to read like his mommy. We both love going to the Central library and taking a walk around downtown before we go in to check out the books. We go through a lot of books, by reading 2 at bedtime every night. I especially love the ebooks the library has available. - Gina S., Fresno

I visited the Woodward Park branch just yesterday with my daughter and two grandchildren who wanted to see the library their great grandmother promoted and was reminded of all the services offered.  We talked about the computers and internet access, meeting rooms, information services -- services that might not be available elsewhere to people for free.

I used to go to the downtown branch almost daily when I worked across the street to buy used books and music and see what new books were available.  Now I tend to visit less because I use the online services but during our visit yesterday I loved seeing the legacy from my mother to her great grandchildren of a love for books and reading and going to libraries.  In fact my grand daughter was texting her friend with pictures of the library and her friend was jealous.  There is something about books that just cannot be matched and the information is more accurate than we find on the internet.  And where else can you find obscure reference books?  I could go on and on.....Vicki C., Fresno

I grew up in Clovis.  Got to spend some of my time visiting the library as a little girl and all the way thru high school.  In 2001, we had our first child and we visited the Clovis library often.  Then for our daughter's first birthday, we asked all the attendees to bring a book to donate to the library in her honor in lieu of gifts.  It was such a wonderful memory to bring a box full of books for others to enjoy. 

Then shortly after, we moved to Arizona where the libraries are huge and updated and have a lot of activities for kids. Well, this past December, we have moved back to Clovis, and the daughter that we donated books for is now 10 and we have 3 other kids.  We home school all of them and we rely on the library for our schooling.  So once a week, we visit the same library that has been in my life for a very long time. Our family LOVES to find books and see what might be hidden on the shelves! - Tawnya, Clovis

Growing up in Kingsburg, I would go to the library after school.  Both my parents worked so with no one to go home to, my retreat was our public library each day.  I remember hours of talking with the librarian and getting suggestions of books.  Her influence made me want to be a librarian. I escaped from boredom and loneliness to the stories of Pippi Longstocking and Nancy Drew. I won the 4th Grade reading contest for reading the most books.  It was all from the influence of our local library and the staff members' encouragement to love reading.

In Junior High, I did volunteer in the library and remember being taught how to treat books.  Don't close the books with a pen or pencil in them!  Books are your friends, treat them like that!  Don't dog ear the pages!

It is more convenient to look up books online than using the card catalog system from my youth. I hope to volunteer at our library soon so I can help encourage the love of reading and learning.  I have a Kindle but I prefer the holding of a book and the turning of a page to the electronic versions.

Today as an adult, I still smile as I enter into my local library (now Clovis). My husband and I are in the library every week. We appreciate the library and all the staff members! - Cathleen