• Learn about the MPLCP

    New libraries funded across the Commonwealth

  • Crisis Communications

    Resources and information to navigate a PR crisis

  • State Aid to Public Libraries

    See how State Aid has benefited your community

  • MBLC Awards Federal Grants to Libraries

    Ten libraries across the Commonwealth were awarded a total of $180,775

NEWS RELEASES

Latest activities and updates from the MBLC

October 09, 2024 - Fitchburg Celebrates Long-Awaited Library Renovation with Groundbreaking

Fitchburg residents, state representatives, and local officials gathered on October 8 to celebrate the groundbreaking of Fitchburg Public Library’s construction project.  The project includes the renovation of the Wallace Building and the creation of an entirely new youth library wing. T...READ MORE

October 03, 2024 - Construction Planning and Design Grants Awarded to Blandford and Otis

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) began the process of awarding planning and design grants through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), a state-funded program that works with local communities to build, renovate, and expand public libraries. This gran...READ MORE

August 12, 2024 - State Aid, MLS, BPL big winners in State Budget

Governor Maura Healey recently signed the $57.78 billion state budget with increases of more than 13% for State Aid to Public Libraries (line 7000-9501) and State Aid to Regional Libraries (line 7000-9401) which funds the Massachusetts Library System and the Library for the Commonwealth at Boston P...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