Closing the Chapter on 2025

~ MBLC Chair Vicky Biancolo

It is often said that it is within the struggle that we find our strength. That certainly holds true for 2025. In the face of extreme chaos, financial challenges, and threats to the very core of what we stand for, as a community we united, we pushed back and we reaffirmed that we will always stand up for each other and the people we serve.

And we kept moving forward.

Gloucester, Melrose, Sharon and Swansea dedicated new libraries, the ultimate sign of hope. After years of needing a waiver to be certified in State Aid, Lawrence joined 347 other certified public libraries to receive its share of $20 million, the highest state aid grants awarded in the State Aid to Public Libraries program history.

And we celebrated.

The MBLC turned 135 years old this year, but we were the ones who stood in admiration of the Commissioner Award Winners: Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, Massachusetts Senator Jacob Oliveira, Executive Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library Kim Charlson, the Massachusetts Trans Librarians Group, and former MBLC Chair Mary Ann Cluggish.

And we triumphed.

Led by stirring remarks from Senators Julian Cyr and Jacob Oliveira, the state Senate passed Freedom to Read legislation as well as a bill that would protect libraries from the unfair pricing of eBooks. At the federal level, the recent judicial ruling ensures that the Institute of Museum and Library Services can continue delivering critical support and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency. As I write this, we at the MBLC are already working to rebuild our federal program.

As MBLC Chair, I am grateful to work with you and proud of all that we have achieved together. There is no doubt the year ahead will bring its share of challenges, but I am confident we are up to the task. On behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, I thank you and wish you a joyful season and a very Happy New Year.