- Valentines Toolkit
Get started with this year's #LibraryLovers campaign
- Legislative Agenda FY2024
Learn about the MBLC's funding priorities for this budget cycle.
- State Aid Awards
Board awards largest amount in State Aid program's history.
- Construction Program Update
Updated regulations for the construction program have been adopted.
NEWS RELEASES
Latest activities and updates from the MBLCFebruary 02, 2023 - MBLC Announces New Construction Grant Round
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce the 2023-2024 grant round for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). The MPLCP provides grants that help pay for major capital improvement projects such as new construction, addition or renovation...READ MORE
January 11, 2023 - Library Renovation Underway in Melrose
On January 11, 2023 Melrose residents gathered with state and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Melrose Public Library renovation project. “There's no institution more important, and frankly more American, in our community than our Public Library,” said Re...READ MORE
December 01, 2022 - Future-Focused Construction Regulations Approved
At its December meeting the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved new regulations for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) which works with local communities to plan, build, renovate and expand their public libraries. “In its 35 years, the MPLCP...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 Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for Library Renovation Project
Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur recently said the library project is, “an investment in our community.” Such an investment, he said, “will benefit every single Melrose resident for generations to come."
Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is full STEM ahead
The club is the brainchild of Sawyer Free Library Children’s Librarian Marisa Hall, who has been looking to expand the library’s STEM offerings. The club will meet one Friday a month after school starting Friday and running through May. Hall hopes to connect kids to opportunities they may not be aware of in Gloucester.“This project … Continue reading Young Gloucester Scientist’s Club is full STEM ahead
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