Below, you’ll find just a sample of the positive feedback we’ve received from our customers and visitors. Young and old, from all corners of Jacksonville and from many nations around the world–our customers rely on us as a vital community resource. Click here to discover more about our value in your home and take a moment to tell us why we matter to you. Then, contact your City Council member to let him or her know just how much you value your library!

♥ “I think that the public library is invaluable – whether the use is for someone that simply wishes to save money or the environment or if it’s someone that couldn’t afford to access the materials otherwise, the service provided by the public library cannot be measured. Rather than reducing the employees, hours, etc. this is one area of the local government that should be given MORE resources to serve a larger portion of the community.”

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♥ “As an avid reader, I absolutely cherish my neighborhood library.  All of this news regarding budget cuts is really disturbing to me.  I have definitely seen more patrons inside the library this last year when I dash in to pick up my reserved book.  It will be devasting to the Jacksonville community if the Library budget is cut.“
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♥ “When I moved to Jacksonville 22 years ago the first thing I did was sign all the mortgage papers and the second thing I did was get a library card.  I had my library card before I had the electricity and water connected at my house. The Beaches library is the best resource this city offers and I do not want services diminished.”
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♥ “In one way or another I make use of library services everyday. [...] When I visit the library for browsing the parking lot always has plenty of cars and the inside of the library is full of patrons, many of them children with their parents and teens working on school projects.  I don’t think I have ever seen a library computer that was not in use. It may seem that the library is a luxury in these hard times, but like education, without a way for our citizens to better themselves how can our society get better?”
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♥ “I can’t tell enough about how important is the library for me and my family.  I come from a country where libraries are not important, as a matter of fact I don’t know if there is still one open.  If I have to pay late charges because I forgot to turn in something on time, I pay with such happiness because I know every dollar is used so efficiently.  My daughter calls the library her school and it is definitely true.  My kids love story time and craft time as much as I enjoy taking them there.”

♥ “The Library is invaluable to my family.  The calculated $5000.00+ dollars we saved (per the use calculator) does not reflect the value of the time we have been able to spend at the library looking for books and letting my child play for a while.  It has been especially important to us this past year as we were affected by the downturn in the economy and did not have extra spending money.  The library gave us a safe, fun place to be.“

♥ “With the economy the way it is, [the library] saves my family hundreds of dollars monthly.   We no longer purchase books, nor rent dvd (even if they are only $1 to rent). Because of the movie selection, I have been able to reduce my cable bill.   I am so grateful.“

♥ “I think it’s a great value to the community because of the so many ways it helps. It’s a tool in helping others find jobs, complete school work, do research, entertaining purposes and so much more! I’m happy to be able to utilize all of the services made available to me.”

♥ “The library is an amazing resource that many take for granted. According the value calculator I value my library at $10,524.70 I think that says it all “

♥ “I think it is Priceless.  So many citizens count on the library to learn about topics they have an interest in, travel through visual media, and hear music by artists long gone, retired or otherwise unaccessible.  Additionally, it is full of artwork most people could never afford to view in museums via books and video.  Also, the auditorium at the Main Library is a great venue for free live performances.”

♥ “Recently I have been out of work and unable to purchase the books that I love to read.  I started using the JPL as a source for literature and movies.  I have been so grateful to the Jacksonville Public Library for all of their resources and the money that I have saved borrowing their books!  Thank you JPL!”

♥ “My name is Sister Rose Susie Myint (SFX). I came from Burma (Myanmar). I have been in the US almost three and a half years. [...] I love very much my library because I have learned so many things through books, internet, etc. Especially, I like my class. My teacher gives us different ideas every day such as reading, writing, and speaking. Before, I was afraid of people because my English was poor. Now, I’m not afraid to talk. I would like to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.”

♥ “My name is Guillermo and I came from Peru, South America. When I arrived to the United States, I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t buy my breakfast, I couldn’t go shopping, I couldn’t talk with other persons, and of course, I couldn’t work. All of that-why? Because I didn’t speak English. But my family said to me, let’s go to the Downtown Library. There, I found nice people. They helped me and registered me (for ESL classes) in June 2010. I go to the library for English classes on Tuesday and Thursdays and nowadays, I feel better. Now I work in a hotel and I can talk to coworkers and understand the manager. [...] In the United States, there are a lot of immigrants that need English classes and it is good for the library to continue to offer that important English course. Thanks.”

♥ “I am very happy because this program has been giving me a great opportunity to improve my English. This program has been amazing. I could never have been able to do this without your help. I started learning English here at the library and I am confident. I think my pronunciation has been getting better every day. My goal is to speak, read, and write English fluently like everyone else. I love my library! Thank you! -Ny”

♥ “I love many things about the library. The Jacksonville Public Library’s Center for Adult Learning helps me to improve my English, to talk and listen to teachers. There, I meet many people from different countries. We communicate together. I find good teachers and free services–for example, reading books, listening to casettes, and using computers. It is very interesting to share my life and learn from others. The library contributes to help many people develop their skills. I love my library and I pass my best time here. -Fenelon”

♥ “I moved to Jacksonville twenty months ago. When I arrived in Jacksonville, my only contact was the library. You can imagine how difficult it is in a foreign country with foreign language and new culture. The library was the place where I felt safe among the people whom I trust. All employees and teachers have helped me in a relatively short time to learn basic English skills. Today, after twenty months, I discuss with teachers in the library to find an answer for everything. And for that, I thank you. -Hilmar”