• Federal Funding at Risk

    Library funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services is at risk

  • FY2026 Legislative Agenda

    Libraries across the Commonwealth provide critical services to communities

  • Federal Funding Impact

    Federal funding empowers libraries and provides services across the Commonwealth

  • Empowered by Libraries Campaign Toolkit

    Help your patrons share how libraries directly impact your community

NEWS RELEASES

Latest activities and updates from the MBLC

February 25, 2025 - Explore Grants Awarded to 18 Libraries

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce 18 libraries will receive a combined $93,000 as the FY2025 recipients of Explore Grants. The MBLC uses federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding to provide Explore Grants that improve library services, c...READ MORE

February 10, 2025 - 347 Libraries Certified to Receive Local Aid

Libraries certified in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' (MBLC) State Aid to Public Libraries Program receive local aid funding to directly support public library services. For FY2025, 347 municipalities and their libraries are certified in the program and will share $20 million in ...READ MORE

February 07, 2025 - eBook Funding Increases but Access Constrained

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) recently awarded $1 million in grants to Automated Networks for purchase of eContent for the Library eBook and Audiobook program (LEA). LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 389 participating libraries a...READ MORE

Library Directory

From the MBLC Blog

Policy: Patron Rights & Responsibilities 

The next policy you may want to consider reviewing is your policy that oversees the expectations you have of your patrons and what your patrons can expect from your staff. This policy goes by many names...

Executive Order re IMLS – effects in Massachusetts

Dear Colleagues: On Friday, March 14, President Trump signed an executive order that targets federal funding to libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS is the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries. IMLS’ entire program of service costs 87 cents per person (US population July 2024). … Continue reading Executive Order re IMLS – effects in Massachusetts

Requests for Reconsideration 

Here is the other, crucial side of your collection development policy: offering a space for patrons to express their concern about library materials, or a Request for Reconsideration.