Didn’t get a chance to speak at the last budget hearing? Don’t worry! You’ll have another chance tomorrow night! 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀. They are also: - A resource of accurate, trusted information in a world full of AI and misinformation - A safe, welcoming third place for kids after school - Access to free programs for all ages, opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach due to cost - A space for children to build literacy, socialize, and for parents to connect with one another - A way to preserve and share important local history - Meeting spaces for small organizations and community groups - Educational resources for new and growing families - A place to apply for jobs, print resumes, and access reliable internet We care about creating a space that feels safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all who walk through our doors. Our staff works every day to balance compassion with clear policies so the library remains a positive environment for all. Libraries have changed over the years but they are far from obsolete. In many ways, they are more essential than ever. As everyday life continues to get more and more expensive, having a place to go without the expectation to spend money and to leave feeling enriched, is rare and important. This past year alone, 𝟵𝟱,𝟬𝟬𝟬 people walked through our doors. Attendance at our adult programs increased by 𝟱𝟱%, and our family programs grew by 𝟯𝟭%. We are happy to be a place where our community finds enjoyment, information, and resources. From borrowing books, movies, puzzles, toys, fishing equipment, and sleds. To attending story times, workshops, and community events - the library is here for everyone. If the library has made a difference in your life, we hope you’ll consider sharing your voice. 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, April 𝟭𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝟱:𝟯𝟬 𝗣𝗠 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 Your support helps to make sure we can continue serving the entirety of Biddeford.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐁𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝. All of us at McArthur Library want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke in support of the library at Tuesday night’s City Budget Hearing. Hearing your words, and seeing you advocate for the importance of the library in our community, made us incredibly proud to be your librarians and you even brought tears to our eyes. Below are just a few snippets of the wonderful things you shared about your library: “Libraries, reading - are so important and we are so fortunate to have this in our backyard.” “The librarians on both floors and the security guards treat us like family. They make recommendations based on our interests, and they take time to really connect with us - that’s the magic of the library. And in a world where misinformation continues to run rampant, McArthur librarians continue to be a needed and valued beacon for our community.“ “A library truly is one of the last places that we can all go without the expectation of spending money and get an incredibly enriching experience.” “It has been a place of joy, a place of respite… every time I’m there I get treated as if I’m family… it offers a place of judgement-free learning… they provide the space for people who maybe feel like they don’t have belonging.” “One of the things I’m really worried about is the city of Biddeford running me out of town… our taxes are going up. Now the other thing, the second thing, is that I’m a VERY strong advocate for McArthur Library… so let’s advocate, they do great stuff, I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s unbelievable the different things they do”. Thank you for showing up for your library. We are so proud to serve you and to offer valuable resources to all of Biddeford. If you were not able to attend the Budget Hearing, there will be another opportunity to on April 14th at 5:30 PM. We also invite you to email city councilors at https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2525/Online-Contact-Form.

𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆. If you’ve ever checked out a book, brought your kids to storytime, used a computer, or found a quiet place here - this is your chance to give back. 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟳𝘁𝗵, 𝟲𝗽𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 Show up for your library! We’ll have McArthur stickers available for all to wear to show their support of the library. Can’t make it to the hearing? Send city councilors an email at https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2525/Online-Contact-Form

Thanks to the Cote family for sharing these awesome photos of their “Show Up for Your Library” boats. We love them! Did you know? The Children’s Room gives out 40 Take & Make craft kits every week to kids in our community. These kits provide access to crafts that help with fine motor skills, creativity, learning, and more! You can help us to continue making these available each week. Join us at the Public Budget Hearing to show your support for library programs: City Hall Tuesday, April 7 6:00 PM We hope to see you there!

We need your voice (and your presence!). The City Budget Hearing is coming up, and decisions made there will shape the future of our library. Tuesday, April 7th, 6pm City Hall - Stay for 10 minutes or the whole meeting - Speak, or simply stand with us Every person in that room makes a difference. Can’t make it to the hearing? Send city councilors an email at https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2525/Online-Contact-Form

Winnie and Wilbur are back on Wednesdays - and they have a favor to ask! Unfortunately, guinea pig voices aren’t considered an approved form of support at City Budget Hearings… so they need you to go on their behalf. Show up for your library: Tuesday, April 7 at 6 PM Make Winnie and Wilbur proud! Let City Councilors know why you love our library (yes, visiting the guinea pigs counts!) so we can continue offering programs and services for all of the Biddeford community. Can’t make it? You can still help by sending a message here: https://www.biddefordmaine.org/2525/Online-Contact-Form