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April 4-10
Tell us why you love the libraries and be entered to win a Kindle Fire 7!
Just click on the red plus sign in the bottom of the page to add your own post.

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Follow this link to fill out an entry form for the raffle.
https://forms.gle/hUN8SZspmgWBAc1A7

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Simply click on the plus sign in the bottom right corner of this page and write us a love letter!
Sincerely,
Your friends at BPFL

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You can add a video like this by clicking on the plus sign and then recording, or choosing a file from your library.

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We love our library!

C and I love being able to browse all the books. We pick out new books and bring them home to learn all sorts of new things. We also love the take home kits, especially the art projects.

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From stories and sing-a-longs to crafts and dancing, everyone (from babies to grandmas!) loves the Barrett Library and the wonderful programming offered there! - Maddie Below

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Minette loves that she can borrow fun talking books from the library! Her favorite is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? She enjoys following along with the story and turning the pages all by herself.

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What a great way to learn for all ages!

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Love for the library from Leon!

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We love the library 📚! Our family appreciates all the activities and events our library provides. They are apart of our family. Barrett Friendly Library is the best and we are so lucky to have the library apart of of community.
💛 The Gonzales Family. (Damian,Rose,Joey and Antonia)

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There are so many reasons to love libraries. From checking out the plethora of books and videos that one may not normally have the means or opportunity to do, to the many things offered to the community. Our past time favorite is story time with Miss Chelsea and our most recent favorite was learning to make pizza via Zoom. My son is all about making his own pizza now. Thank you to all the staff for what you do for community members.

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We love the BPFL because it brings the community together. Whether sharing books, a craft, or a conversation, libraries bring people together. It is the place some children meet their first friends. Or where an adult finds love for a new novel. Libraries are crucial to developing a sense of community and we are blessed to have the BPFL. 💚 Colton & Courtney Dunlap

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Jon denley, Why I like library.
I like the library because there's so much to learn in there so much to read not only that a lot of the people in the library of very special very helpful and sometimes along the way you get very lucky and you meet a very good friend

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I love libraries because there are unlimited books, peace and quiet, and librarians are always so friendly and helpful! Even during the pandemic I was able to get my library card digitally, pick up and drop off books safely, and pick out my books online.

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The Library Helped Me Teach My Baby To Read at 2!

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The Library Helped Me Teach My Baby To Read at 2!

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We love the library and are so saddened that we can't access them then ways we used to because the resources at the library are what helped me teach my baby to read at 2 years old! Lily and I would go to the library and she would go on the super awesome kids' computers where all her uncles would flock to to play games on. She saw something that we didn't have at home and she wanted in on it. Little did we know that by sitting there with her everytime we went in, she started recognizing sight words and numbers through gaming patterns. She began to read! Of course we love the library for all of the other possibilities and all of the amazing books they have, but without these fun learning resources that are surprisingly catered to all ages of children, we wouldn't have even thought about *teaching* her to read until she was school aged. Reading to her every night is easy, but getting her to read back to us is amazing! If only the libraries were open and we could do the same for our little guy who is just around the age we started with our Lily. Home computers are great, but they aren't what the library has. After she learned how to read, she began hearing about new books and was able to look for some that sounded "fun" all on her own. We have libraries to thank for that. Providing safe and comfortable spaces for kids, providing excellent resources for all- we miss the experience of going to our libraries.

Kayla H <3

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We love libraries for the crafts they shed for the kids!! Since we can’t be there in person right now it’s the best way to get involved!!!

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I love everything about libraries. The Barrett Library has all the wonderful things great libraries have, knowledgeable kind staff, books, audiobooks, videos, music and magazines, that you love. The library for us has become mostly the children’s program and the children’s librarians that have even during these tough times had story time regularly and fun programs for the kids, take home crafts with themes for kids, and the constant ability to give us the books we needed for our family every time and to guide us to other books we never would have encountered. I love and miss everything about our library, even how it smells. I am grateful to all who work so hard to give us this little treasure of a library.

Dora Pereda

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The Barrett Friendly Library is an amazing place. Not only is the physical library warm and welcoming, but so is its staff. We have always had a positive experience there. It has a wide selection of books for all ages, an adorable play area, several computers for public use and more. It offers wonderful programs for all ages and interests. During quarantine its virtual programs have been a highlight in our lives. We loved the cooking classes, poetry challenges, children's theater, meet the author day, and more. The programs and materials were well organized, creative, and of quality. We are so very grateful for everything the library has done for us and the community. We LOVE THE LIBRARY!!- Mary, Valerie, & Erika Cooper

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Growing up in Waco, Texas, I went to the library weekly with my mom. I devoured books, reading at least eight books a week. My favorites were fables and fairytales from around the world, the Raggedy Ann and Andy series, the Nancy Drew series, everything from Beverly Cleary, Tolkien, and all the classics. That McClennan County Library opened a world of wonder and possibility to me.
I still remember with great fondness the original Drinking Bird that greeted everyone at the checkout desk.
I was especially obsessed with a glass case that held handmade dolls from all over the world. One doll had real fingernails. I would stare at the beautiful dolls endlessly.
My children have inherited my love of libraries and books...which is my greatest gift to them, I feel.
Jennifer McGlynn

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How much do we love our library!

Let us count the ways...
L is for the literature,  which is a fancy word for all that's fit to read.
I is for intelligence that develops as you read
B is for BPFL forever!
R is for reading and rereading favorite books.
A is for Arts and Crafts projects.
Y is for Yes! We love our library and librarians (And NO, we cannot do without our library).

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As new members of the community, we are so thankful to have this beautiful library as a resource. The take home bags are so helpful during a time when we can't engage in other toddler activities in person. Thank you for everything you do for the Barrett/Paradise community.

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I love libraries because they are quiet places filled with knowledge. A small refuge in this loud and chaotic world.

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Love how much you offer to the community!

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I love the library, it makes me happy. There is a great selection of books for teenagers.

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I love libraries- the inspirations it gives to read books, magazines, join up with other visitors and share books in book clubs. Not to mention all the activities the Barrett Friendly Paradise library offers. It is magical for all ages to use the library

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As a single mom, libraries literally have helped me raise my kids!! I would've been lost without the events, activities, books and quiet time our various local libraries have provided us - we love them all! I hope my kids turn into life-long readers and library-lovers like their mom! Thanks for everything :) ~ Michelle Riley

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We love libraries because it gives us free access to things to do, community events, education and imagination through books! We really miss the children’s story time and area to gather and play, can’t wait until that reopens!
- Marie Vohs

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I love Barrett Paradise Friendly Library! They have an amazing selection of books, and I always find a good on for me. I participate in the events and activities hosted there with my friends. They are so fun! My favorite event was when the zoologist brought in a huge snake that everyone got to hold! Thanks for all you do! :D

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Libraries are the doorways of imagination 

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Libraries are the doorways of imagination 

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I love libraries because of all the free books and movies, it is is only about a five minute drive from my house, and I get to pick out a new book almost every two weeks. My mom normally takes me because she really loves books, but I will go with almost anyone.
That is why I love libraries
Sincerely Anna Pacowski,
I LOVE ❤️ Barrett Paradise library!!!!!

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We are so thankful for our terrific library

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We are so thankful for our terrific library

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BP Friendly Library was our home away from home and we miss going there so much. It has been one of Gus and my favorite places. Ida has only been able to go to storytime once, and it's sad to think of the missed fun mornings. But, the last year has showed me more than ever just how thankful we are to have this wonderful place nearby. Chelsea and Jennifer have truly gone above and beyond in creating such thoughtful and fun activity bags and videos for the kids every month. It has been a shining light for us through this time and we will never forget the care and dedication from our friendly librarians. As Gus has grown, the book choices from Miss Chelsea have helped his love of reading continue, and I am so grateful. We love our library!