I am a 45-year-old resident of Lewiston. I have chosen to raise my family here, and both my husband and I own businesses in Lewiston.

I consider myself a very involved community member that takes advantage of the public services provided to me and also contributing physically, emotionally and financially to our city.

I cried when I heard about the drastic cuts being proposed to the library. Especially when it is struggling with the loss of its director, Marcela Peres, and dealing with the constant stress of the homeless population.

I expected our city administrators to address the homeless issue and help out the library. Instead, we get the opposite — fewer hours, same responsibilities, no help with the homeless.

My kids are job holders, athletes and mentors in this community, and they grew up at the library. We are so grateful for the availability, the close group of friends we made, always having new books to read and songs to sing, and all for free. My family rarely buys a book today because of this asset we are so lucky to have.

There are very few representatives in Lewiston that care about the library and its value to many of our community members. I certainly have taken notice of comments made by my councilor, Robert McCarthy, and encourage the public to start paying attention.

Libraries represent freedom of knowledge and access to information, and they assist in leading us in a forward momentum of bettering ourselves and our future.

Sadie Landry, Lewiston