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NEWS RELEASES

Latest activities and updates from the MBLC

November 21, 2023 - Board Approves First Round of FY2024 State Aid Grants

At its November Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved 131 municipalities that met all requirements for certification in the FY2024 State Aid to Public Libraries Program. State Aid program grants for this initial round total $2.8 million.  Libraries use...READ MORE

November 14, 2023 - George Comeau Reappointed MBLC Commissioner

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Commissioner George T. Comeau, Esq. of Canton has been reappointed to the nine-member board by Governor Maura Healey.  Commissioner Comeau was previously reappointed to the MBLC by Governor Charles D. Baker in ...READ MORE

October 23, 2023 - MBLC Doubles eBook Funding

At its October board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) doubled its funding to support Library eBook and Audiobook program (LEA) by approving $1 million in grants to Automated Networks for purchase of eContent for LEA. LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks...READ MORE

Library Directory

From the MBLC Blog

Benefit of My Public Library to me as a Person with a Disability

By Penelope Ann Shaw, PhD. I live in a nursing home. When I first came to the facility 21 years ago I was not able to go out because I was too sick. But my local public library – Thayer Library in Braintree, MA – brought me books to read. These helped me to pass … Continue reading Benefit of My Public Library to me as a Person with a Disability

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