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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: August 13, 2008

CONTACT: Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us

MBLC to Hold Budget Hearings

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) will hold two public hearings on its fiscal year 2010 budget request. The purpose of the hearings is to gather public input on the need for state support for library programs and the relative priority the Board should place on line items in its budget for fiscal year 2010 before submitting that request to the Office for Administration &Finance. The hearings have been scheduled for:

Tuesday, August 26 at 2:00pm at the Springfield City Library

220 State Street, Springfield

Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00pm at the Watertown Free Public Library

123 Main Street, Watertown

Anyone interested in library services is invited to attend and comment directly to the Board. Those speaking to the Board are urged to limit their presentations to three minutes and to submit their complete comments so that they may be included in the record. Persons unable to attend may also submit their comments for consideration by the MBLC. The deadline for submission is October 8, 2008 (Correction: The final date to submit testimony is Friday, Sept. 12, 2008).

The MBLC prefers to receive comments via email, but they may also be faxed or mailed.
Email: Robert.Maier@state.ma.us
Fax: 617-725-0140
Regular mail: Robert C. Maier, Director, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
98 North Washington Street, Suite 401
Boston, MA 02114

Any testimony submitted for these hearings becomes a public record and may be shared with other public officials, posted on the MBLC web site, or used in other ways consistent with the purpose of the budget hearing. Information about MBLC funding may be found by reviewing the FY 2009 Budget ,the FY2009 Legislative Agenda of the Board and the MBLC Budget History FY2001—FY2008.

About MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

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