- FY2026 Legislative Agenda
Libraries across the Commonwealth provide critical services to communities
- New LSTA Grant Round Open
Apply for an Explore, Impact, or Inspire grant
- Learn about the MPLCP
New libraries funded across the Commonwealth
- State Aid to Public Libraries
See how State Aid has benefited your community
NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCDecember 12, 2024 - Second Round of FY2025 State Aid Awards Approved
At its December Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved 154 municipalities that met all the requirements for certification in the FY2025 State Aid to Public Libraries Program. These libraries join the 136 libraries that were approved in November. Approx...READ MORE
November 21, 2024 - Library Construction Funded in Economic Development Bill
On November 20, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill which provides billions in critical investments to create jobs, support business growth, expand workforce development programs, and support rural and regional economic development initiatives. The...READ MORE
November 13, 2024 - Lawrence Among 136 Libraries State Aid Certified
At its November Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved 136 municipalities that met all requirements for the FY2025 State Aid to Public Libraries Program. State Aid program grants for FY2025 total $20 million, nearly double what libraries received in FY2020. ...READ MORE
Library Directory
From the MBLC Blog
Survey Results: Library Services for Justice-Impacted Individuals
To better understand library services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, Ally Dowds, Consultant to Special Populations at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, recently conducted a survey of public, school, academic, and special libraries. Of the 48 respondents, 9 currently provide outreach services to incarcerated individuals and 4 support reentry efforts in their communities. … Continue reading Survey Results: Library Services for Justice-Impacted Individuals
Libraries in the News
Prime Focus: US libraries on the frontlines of homelessness
ABC News’ Jaclyn Lee reports on libraries being on the frontlines of the increasing homelessness crisis across the U.S. and how librarians are learning techniques to help.Watch this amazing news story
Art to reflect the community: Forbes Library uses anonymous donation to purchase a range of BIPOC art
A couple years ago, Forbes Library received a $10,000 donation from a donor who wanted to remain anonymous but also wanted the money used for a very specific purpose: to broaden the Northampton library’s permanent art collection.The library donor — the person lives in the area, according to Downing — told Forbes officials that the … Continue reading Art to reflect the community: Forbes Library uses anonymous donation to purchase a range of BIPOC art
You can now check out an all-terrain wheelchair at the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield
SHEFFIELD — For those who can’t go into the woods without help, Sheffield has a solution.With a state grant, the town bought a “GRIT Freedom Chair” that can be borrowed from the Bushnell-Sage Library’s “Library of Things” by those from any city or town with a CW Mars system library card. Read more from Berkshire Eagle