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Blades and Mrs. Baker's summer challenge begins!
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The MBLC is committed to social and racial justice.
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The Construction Team's new podcast is here!
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NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCAugust 11, 2020 - Governor Baker Approves $115 million for Library Construction
On August 7, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act Financing the General Governmental Infrastructure of the Commonwealth which includes $115 million for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). “We ...READ MORE
August 07, 2020 - The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners urges local officials to maintain library funding and staffing during the pandemic
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has been made aware that some cities and towns are laying off library staff and disproportionately cutting library budgets in comparison to other municipal departments. During the pandemic, library workers have stepped up to meet the needs of ...READ MORE
August 07, 2020 - Governor Baker Signs Short Term Spending Bill for FY2021
The Massachusetts Legislature passed the first budget of FY2021 which will fund the government until the end of October 2020. The budget includes level funding for all library line items overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). “Given the uncertain economic climate...READ MORE
Library Directory
From the MBLC Blog
New Season of Construction Podcast: Looking to the Past in an Uncertain Present
Thank you for helping the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program’s (MPLCP) podcast “Building Literacy: Public Library Construction” reach close to 450 downloads! In our second season, we look to our past- wisdom from former library building specialists, a primer on the history of the MPLCP, and our response to a 105-year-old speech about faults commonly … Continue reading New Season of Construction Podcast: Looking to the Past in an Uncertain Present
Libraries in the News
Disinfectant, Gloves And Quarantined Books: How Massachusetts Libraries Are Coping As They Slowly Reopen
The public library in Franklin has been loaning books for 230 years — the town boasts the first continuous public-lending library in the nation. It was founded in 1790 with a donation of books from Benjamin Franklin. But when the pandemic hit, like all other libraries in the state, the Franklin library closed its doors … Continue reading Disinfectant, Gloves And Quarantined Books: How Massachusetts Libraries Are Coping As They Slowly Reopen
Libraries are needed more than ever. But many aren’t sure how to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic
Jazmine Adams-McNeal tried time and time again to explain to her young daughter why their weekly trips to the library stopped suddenly in March. It didn’t go over well. “It was a lot of meltdowns,” said Adams-McNeal, 31, of Ferguson, Missouri. She, her wife and their children – a 4-year-old girl and twin 2-year-old boys … Continue reading Libraries are needed more than ever. But many aren’t sure how to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic
In It Together 6/3/2020
For the rest of the week, we are exploring businesses that are set to re-open under the second phase of Governor Charlie Baker’s re-opening plan. Today, we looked at day cares and libraries. First, we spoke with the owner and president of Magical Beginnings, which has six child care locations on the North Shore. Linda … Continue reading In It Together 6/3/2020