- Statewide Read-in
Celebrate the freedom to read at your library
- Stand with Libraries
Join us in opposing censorship
- Crisis Communications
Crisis communications resources for libraries
- Summer Success
Summer programs change lives!
NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCSeptember 21, 2023 - Massachusetts Libraries Celebrate the Freedom to Read with Statewide Read-Ins
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has been an annual fall event that highlights the value of free and open access to information by bringing together librarians, educators, authors, readers and the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to read. Banned Books Week draws national at...READ MORE
September 11, 2023 - Barbara Barros Appointed MBLC Commissioner by Governor Maura Healey
Boston native Barbara Barros has been appointed by Governor Maura Healey to serve as Commissioner for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The nine-member board of the MBLC was established in 1890 and is responsible for developing, coordinating, and improving library services acr...READ MORE
September 08, 2023 - 5 Massachusetts Libraries Selected for National Training Initiative Focused on Equity
Chicopee Public Library, Marlborough Public Library, Milford Town Library, Berkshire Athenaeum (Pittsfield), and Yarmouth Town Libraries will participate in the project Building Equity-Based Summers (BEBS), a national initiative focused on assisting public library staff in gaining the skills n...READ MORE
Library Directory
From the MBLC Blog
Meet your new MBLC Commissioner, Barbara Barros!
What are you looking forward to as a new Commissioner for Massachusetts libraries? I’m looking forward to understanding the role I am in, what is expected of me and how I can make a difference. What do you love about your local library? There is something magical about entering a library; it’s the “old school” feeling … Continue reading Meet your new MBLC Commissioner, Barbara Barros!
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