Love is in the air, and we’re not just talking about Valentine’s Day. February 14th is also Library Lovers’ Day! To celebrate, we’ve gathered some of our favorite comments from the outpouring of support we received during our Library Love competition last week, when hundreds of Free Library patrons let us know why they appreciate our staff, services, and resources. We love you all back!

*Some of these comments have been lightly edited for clarity.

My library gave me a free after school program to take part in (LEAP) when I was a child, and wonderful librarians who sparked and supported my love for reading from a young age. -Prithi

The Philly library has been a safe haven for me my whole life. The librarians encouraged my love of books as a child and as an adult I was able to get resources when I was out of a job. I’ve benefited from so many programs over the years. -Jaye

The library feels like home. Parkway Central branch in Philly is where I introduced my son to my love of literacy and learning through the Read, Baby, Read program. It’s where I’ve written hundreds of pages for my very first manuscript. It’s where I’ve checked out/purchased titles of my favorite authors and cozied into seats to hear them read pages during author conversations. It’s where I’ve expanded my Spanish speaking skills. It’s where I know I will always be greeted by volunteers with warmth and kindness. -Dana

During the early days of the pandemic, I had a book on reserve for pickup. I was working in a hospital a block from my local branch of the Free Library in South Philly and having trouble coordinating a pickup time with my work schedule. One of the librarians brought my books to the hospital for me, at a time when it was terrifying to enter one even if you absolutely had to. I’ve never felt more Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Our libraries are amazing. -Elizabeth

The Free library helps so many people daily in providing a safe warm place to be. You’ll never find people more excited to do good in the world than librarians. I love this library system dearly and I'm so grateful for everything they do for Philly. -Max

The Free Library of Philadelphia has been a part of my life for many years. I loved going with my grandmother as a young girl. Taking my own children to story times and checking out books was something I always looked forward to. Lately I have introduced my granddaughter to the Free Library of Philadelphia and we have even both borrowed books through Libby when life gets too busy to visit. -Michelle

I love the efficient hold system and huge selection of books. Borrowing is so much better than buying, especially when you live In a small rowhouse. I also love the welcoming kids’ spaces. My young child and I have spent many weekend afternoons just hanging out and reading at the library. -Jessica

I love the Free Library because of all the resources they provide the community! My local branch was a warming center a few weeks ago when Philly was going through a cold front. Not only that, the library is amazing at fulfilling holds that I place on books and DVDs! -Emily

I love that the library is a place to be around people — it is a great reminder of how strong our community is. The City of Brotherly Love is fortunate to have such an expansive library network! -Ryan