- LSTA Direct Grants
Submit a Letter of Intent through December 6, 2022.
- Construction Program Update
View proposed changes to public library construction program regulations
- New Statewide Databases
New statewide databases are now available - find links for your library!
- Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) needs you!
NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCSeptember 28, 2022 - Board Votes on FY2024 Legislative Agenda
MBLC Begins creating FY2024 Legislative Agenda At its September 1, 2022, board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) discussed and voted on the FY2024 legislative agenda, which is used to request state funding that supports local libraries and statewide programs and servi...READ MORE
August 01, 2022 - Governor Signs Budget with Increases to Library Funding
On July 28, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed the FY2023 budget. Included in the bill is increased funding to library line items at or above what was requested in the FY23 Legislative Agenda. “This is good news for libraries and the residents they serve,” said Massachusetts Board of L...READ MORE
July 07, 2022 - MBLC Elects New Officers for FY2023
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) elected new officers to serve for FY2023 at its Board Meeting on July 7, 2022. The Board elected Commissioner Debby Conrad as Board Chair. Ms. Conrad was appointed to the Board in December 2020 by Governor Baker. Her library career spans more ...READ MORE
Library Directory
From the MBLC Blog
Book challenges up Nationwide and in Massachusetts Libraries
According to American Library Association (ALA), there have been a record number of book challenges across the nation. In 2021 ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Between January 1 and August 31, 2022, ALA documented 681 attempts to ban or restrict library … Continue reading Book challenges up Nationwide and in Massachusetts Libraries
Libraries in the News
Melrose Moves Forward With Library Project After Cost Increase
(Patch) Melrose’s long-awaited library renovation project recently took a step forward with the signing of a contract to begin the project’s construction phase, Mayor Paul Brodeur announced on Wednesday.Following uncertainty over potential cost increases in recent months, Brodeur confirmed that the cost of the city’s contract with the Massachusetts-based Castagna Construction Corporation is roughly 12% … Continue reading Melrose Moves Forward With Library Project After Cost Increase
Need a mobile hotspot for internet service? Try a Cape Cod library
Can you imagine not having access to the internet? For most, the internet is more than just a way to read news or go on social media. It can be essential for education, work and even health care. With a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, libraries have been able to bolster their programs for … Continue reading Need a mobile hotspot for internet service? Try a Cape Cod library
Gloucester gets State Help Toward Library Expansion
Gloucester’s Sawyer Free Library is closing in on a decades-long goal of updating and increasing the size of its facility with help from new state funding. The state Board of Library Commissioners announced July 7 it is providing Gloucester $9 million for the library’s $28 million renovation and expansion plan. The grant would grow by … Continue reading Gloucester gets State Help Toward Library Expansion