(Image: Kim Charlson (left) accepting the Anna Eliot Ticknor Commissioner Award at the MA State House with her guide dog Idabelle next to MBLC Commissioner Joyce Linehan on November 6, 2025.)
Anna Eliot Ticknor was one of the five founding Commissioners of the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts established in 1890, now known as the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Ticknor was an educator who launched the first correspondence school in the United States, The Society to Encourage Studies at Home, laying the groundwork for modern day distance learning programs such as the online courses many of us take part in today. Ticknor was passionate about educating and empowering women by providing accessible education courses from home and a community of learning and intellectual growth beyond the domestic walls. She was a passionate advocate for accessible education for all and the role that libraries could play educating the public.
The Anna Eliot Ticknor Award honors a Massachusetts librarian whose work has increased residents’ access to the wealth of resources held at libraries across the Commonwealth. At the 135th Anniversary celebration of the MBLC, the Anna Eliot Ticknor Award was presented to Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library. Kim has been working for over two decades to ensure that anyone in Massachusetts can read what they want, when they want. Countless individuals across the Commonwealth have maintained or regained the joy of reading and lifelong learning because of her work.
Kim Charlson is today’s Anna Eliot Ticknor in her own right. Not only does her work increase access for Massachusetts residents with disabilities, but her impact extends far beyond the Commonwealth. She has helped write policies and design trainings that have strengthened accessible library services across the nation. Kim helped author the Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Print Disabled as well as an American with Disabilities Act Handbook that serves as a guide for establishing accessible libraries. Her work on the Marrakesh Treaty has allowed unique items that are digitized at Perkins Library to be shared freely anywhere in the world. Because of Kim Charlson, libraries are a place where everyone belongs.
Kim Charlson at the podium speaking to the audience at the MBLC’s 135th Anniversary Commissioner Awards.
Explore Grants Awarded as Part of Federal Rebuild – MBLC Press Release (1/23/2026)
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that 12 libraries have received a combined $58,500 as the FY2026 recipients of Explore Grants.
$10 Million Awarded So Far in State Aid to Public Libraries – MBLC Press Release (1/8/2026)
At its January Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) certified the remaining municipalities meeting all of the FY2026 requirements for the State Aid to Public Libraries Program.
‘Libraries are not luxuries’: Librarians advocate for $1M increase in public library aid – Greenfield Recorder (1/16/2026)
SUNDERLAND — In the wake of increasing demand and costs, librarians across western Massachusetts are calling for an additional $1 million in public library aid in the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
Librarians call for assertive approach to funding in Massachusetts – State House News Service (1/7/2026)
BOSTON — Facing spending cuts and political pressure, Massachusetts librarians are warning public officials that libraries are being treated as budget leverage — and saying that has to change.
Steel beam signing marks progress on J.V. Fletcher Library project – Westford Cat (1/26/2026)
WESTFORD — Town officials, library leaders and architects gathered Friday to celebrate a major milestone in the reconstruction of the J.V. Fletcher Library: the signing of a ceremonial steel beam that will become part of the building’s new structure.
‘A family destination’: Shutesbury readies for library opening– Daily Hampshire Gazette (1/8/2026)
SHUTESBURY — On Sunday morning, around 60 volunteers joined staff members to remove the 12,000 or so books, DVDs and audiobooks squeezed into the M.N. Spear Memorial Library, preparing them for their short journey to the new Shutesbury Public Library.
Library Opens to Joyous Community Celebration – The Belmont Voice (1/20/2026)
Clasping a book from the popular “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter, fourth-grader Katarina Pajovic smiled as she stood in the children’s room Jan. 17 during the grand opening of the new, $39.5 million Belmont Public Library.
State OKs Montague library design – Greenfield Recorder (1/21/2026)
MONTAGUE — A year after the Montague Public Libraries received funding to join the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program and begin planning for a new or renovated building in Turners Falls, designs for a new library were approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) earlier this month.
7+ Court Cases About Book Bans to Watch in 2026: Book Censorship News, January 16, 2026 – Book Riot (1/16/2026)
One of the biggest tools in the arsenal when it comes to book censorship in the United States is the judicial system. Whether that’s for better or for worse remains a big question mark, especially under the current federal administration. Lawsuits, however, are a crucial means by which the average citizen learns where and how the rights granted to them via the Constitution actually apply. That includes the First, Tenth, and Fourteenth Amendments, three of the most relevant when it comes to where and how the government can ban books in public and school libraries.
A Most Unlikely Year: Library Policy in 2025 – Library Journal (1/13/2026)
A look at federal library policy in 2025, and work to be done in the coming year. I knew that 2025 would be a bad year for federal public policy for libraries. However, I did not anticipate the Trump Administration’s widespread and blatant violations of federal law and the U.S. Constitution regarding library interests.
The digital library dilemma: Why e-book borrowing costs taxpayers more – Straight Arrow News (1/5/2026)
For a growing number of Americans, reading is more than leafing through a physical book. Between 2011 and 2021, the share of Americans who listened to an audiobook more than doubled, from 11% to 23%, according to the Pew Research Center. At the same time, the share who read an e-book rose from 17% to 30% – all while the number of Americans who read any format of book held relatively steady.
States Are Banning Book Bans. Will It Work? – Education Week (1/7/2026)
At least eight states are trying to crack down on attempts to remove books in school libraries, passing legislation that gives librarians more leeway in selecting materials, sets up formal processes for responding to challenges, and bars schools from pulling books from the shelves for ideological reasons.
A 200-year-old book distributor is closing. Here’s what that means for public libraries – NPR (1/7/2026)
It’s been a tough year for public libraries. In March, President Trump issued an executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the only federal agency devoted to funding public libraries (a decision reversed in November by a Rhode Island District Court judge). Then, in May, the president also delivered a blow to the nation’s leading library when he fired Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. At the same time, libraries across the country have continued to face challenges to what books should and should not be available on their shelves – and pressure to remove certain titles – culminating in lawsuits in states like Texas and Florida.
Now, the nation’s largest distributor of print books to public libraries – Baker & Taylor – is set for imminent closure.
Goddard Space Flight Center staff says library’s course degrades NASA’s mission – NPR (1/6/2026)
The library at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland is closing after a number of disruptions and reductions by the Trump administration. Staff members say it’s degrading NASA’s mission.
People do weird things at the library. This writer put her sightings in new book. – USA Today (1/15/2026)
The library is a place for learning and gathering. But like other public spaces, sometimes people do weird things there. Libraries “are great community spaces, but the truth of working in a library also is that there are people potentially filming OnlyFans in the bathroom or a lot of drug use,” says Emily Austin, a Canadian author and former librarian.
Library Names 25 Films to the National Film Registry for Preservation – Library of Congress Newsroom (1/29/2026)
The Library of Congress has selected 25 films for the National Film Registry due to their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage, the Library announced today. The selections for 2025 date back to the silent film era with six silent films dating from 1896 to 1926 – a significant number of films in this class. The newest film added to the registry is from 2014 with filmmaker Wes Anderson’s “TheGrandBudapestHotel,” which included meticulous historical research at the Library of Congress to create visually striking scenery.
*Links provided to external (non-MBLC) news stories are done so as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the MBLC. MBLC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on February 5 (Hybrid) Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meetingof the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the MBLC Office, 90 Canal Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA.
Library workers, users, partners, stakeholders, and community members are invited to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions about the future directions of Massachusetts Libraries broadly and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Commonwealth’s state agency that supports libraries through funding, guidance, partnerships, and the coordination of statewide services. Learn more about the MBLC, its mission, and its current programs and services by visiting the agency’s website.
We’re once again joining the Boston Bruins, Cradles to Crayons and DCF/Wonderfund to collect pajamas for kids in need from February 1 to March 15 (It’s OK if you don’t want to do the full 6 weeks!) The goal is to collect 10,000 pairs of new PJs!
Cradles to Crayons is state-wide, please contact them to arrange picks up for the pajamas your library collects. If you have a problem reaching someone, please contact Rachel Masse by email or cell phone, (857) 488-6953.
We are reaching out to the DCF/ Wonderfund for an updated list of gatekeepers and pajama drop-off locations.
Connect with fellow librarians providing library services to individuals currently and formerly experiencing incarceration in state, county and youth facilities in Massachusetts. Join this conversation to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a supportive community. Whether you work directly in a carceral facility, have experience collaborating with institutions to provide outreach, or you are a librarian interested in developing an outreach partnership, this meetup group provides a forum to come together for meaningful discussion and resource sharing.
Registration is not required. This is an existing group that meets monthly on the first Thursday at 1pm.
Join the MBLC State Aid team and your fellow Library Directors seeking advice and answers as we embark upon the FY27 budget season. Make sure your next budget, materials spending, and hours open fully meet State Aid requirements. FY27 is shaping up to be a rough budget year for many municipalities- ask your budget and certifications questions here.
State Aid Waiver & Certification Workshop (Online)
Is your library facing budget issues for FY27? Are you facing a municipal override vote this spring, and want to know how a failed override and reduced budget will affect your library’s State Aid and Certification?
In this workshop, we’ll review the FY27 MAR (Municipal Appropriation Requirement), the MAR Waiver Application process if your budget does not meet the MAR, and how you can make your case to your municipalities for a stable and funded library budget. We’ll go over what State Aid Certification means, what is lost if a library budget is drastically cut, and have time for individual questions at the end.
This session is geared towards new and/or acting directors to provide an introduction to and overview of the State Aid to Public Libraries program and the requirements that need to be met in order to qualify for State Aid to Public Libraries funds.
**Please note: This is not a workshop about how to fill out the surveys/forms. Those workshops will be held in June/July for the Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) and in August/September for the Financial Report/Compliance Form for State Aid to Public Libraries.
Need help making your web content accessible? MBLC staff are here to help! Join our office hours every first Friday at 11AM or third Wednesday at 3PM. View all upcoming Web Accessibility programming under the Internet, Technology, and Access category on our calendar.
Open to all Directors, Trustees, Library Friends, and Foundation Members. They are designed to be an open-ended, safe space for questions and interaction among participants. Sessions will NOT be recorded, and chats will NOT be saved. Registration is not required; stop by anytime during the hour!
Introduction to Canva for Library Advocates (Online)
Library advocates are increasingly asked to communicate with library supporters across different platforms and in different ways. In this program, you will get an introduction to the basics of Canva with a focus on tools you can use to advocate for your library. Live demonstrations will get you started creating, editing, and adapting designs like infographics, flyers, newsletters, and more that can be used for fundraising, advocacy, and communications about your mission. This session will be recorded, and the recording will be sent out to all registrants, regardless of whether they are able to attend live.
Libraries are uniquely positioned to support aging adults with programs, spaces, and services that enhance lifelong learning, social connection, health, and independence. Participants will learn about statewide resources and gain practical strategies for developing age-friendly environments, strengthening digital literacy support, and cultivating partnerships with local aging-services organizations. Whether your library already has robust senior programming or is just beginning to plan, this session will offer tools and inspiration for serving older adults with purpose and creativity. Learn more about the topics to come at the MBLC’s Core Connections page.
Libraries need active and engaged trustees now more than ever. If you are a new trustee hoping to learn more about your role or a more seasoned trustee looking for a deeper understanding of the basics, you are invited to the MBLC’s Library Trustee Orientation.
Sessions will be recorded and sent to all registrants
Resources (including slides) will be sent to all registrants
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on March 5 (Hybrid) Contact:Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meetingof the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Massachusetts Library Systems Offices in Marlborough.
Justice Involved Library Services: A Roundtable Discussion (Online)
Connect with fellow librarians providing library services to individuals currently and formerly experiencing incarceration in state, county and youth facilities in Massachusetts. Join this conversation to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a supportive community. Whether you work directly in a carceral facility, have experience collaborating with institutions to provide outreach, or you are a librarian interested in developing an outreach partnership, this meetup group provides a forum to come together for meaningful discussion and resource sharing.
Registration is not required. This is an existing group that meets monthly on the first Thursday at 1pm.
MBLC Starts Federal Program Rebuild – MBLC Press Release (12/5/2025)
On December 3, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced it had reinstated all federal grants which were terminated due to Executive Order 14238 signed by President Trump on March 14, 2025. The goal of the executive order was to eliminate IMLS “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”
Blandford receives $5.4M library grant – The Reminder (12/10/2025)
BLANDFORD — The Porter Memorial Library in Blandford received word earlier this month that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has awarded a $5.4 million Small Population library construction grant to the town of Blandford.
New legislation aims to strengthen protections for school and public libraries – Athol Daily News (12/23/2025)
With book-banning attempts on the rise nationwide, Massachusetts legislators are working to strengthen protections for school and public libraries with “An Act Regarding Free Expression.” Link to full article at Athol Daily
Plans for new East Springfield Library Branch submitted to state – Mass Live (12/31/2025)
SPRINGFIELD – The city has moved one step closer to replacing the East Springfield Branch Library. Designs for a new building are complete.
Who on Cape Cod was recognized for human rights work? ‘We rise by lifting each other’ – Cape Cod Times (12/11/2025)
HYANNIS — Harriet Jerusha Korim’s voice radiated across the room as she led a chorus of “This Little Light of Mine” during the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission2025 Human Rights Day Celebration Breakfast. Osterville Librarian Cyndy Cotton, and Hyannis Librarian Antonia Stephens joined hands as they headed to the podium to accept the Rosenthal Award at the Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission’s awards ceremony in Hyannis on December 10, 2025
On the Infinite Lives of the Library – Literary Hub (12/4/2025)
One might say that a library’s most abundant resource—what it lends most freely—is not books and information but time. Time to think, breathe, be, and become. Last spring, in exchange for my service as writer-in-residence, the historic Concord Free Public Library in Concord, Massachusetts lent me six months and the use of a private office upstairs in a refurbished 300-year-old house-turned-working wing just off the Children’s Room. The space had everything a writer could want: a desk, comfy chair for reading, privacy, and good light.
The Supreme Court Just Opened the Door to a New Era of Book Bans – Time Magazine (12/17/2025)
Imagine that you decided to go to your local library to check out a book, but you couldn’t find it on the shelf. You ask the librarian for help locating it, but they inform you it’s not available—not because someone else has checked it out, but because the government has physically removed it after deciding they don’t want you to read it.
This isn’t the plot of a dystopian novel, it’s the reality that the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed in its recent decision to not hear arguments in the book ban case: Leila Green Little et al. v. LlanoCounty.
US librarians tackle ‘manufactured crisis’ of book bans to protect LGBTQ+ rights – The Guardian (12/15/2025)
In at least half a dozen states, librarians have joined forces with civil rights groups to oppose book bans, often facing personal and professional repercussions
Supreme Court declines to hear appeal on Texas book ban case that allows officials to remove objectionable books from libraries – PBS (12/9/2025)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal on a Texas free speech case that allowed local officials to remove books deemed objectionable from public libraries.
NASA’s Largest Library Is Closing Amid Staff and Lab Cuts – The New York Times (12/31/2025)
Holdings from the library at the Goddard Space Flight Center, which includes unique documents from the early 20th century to the Soviet space race, will be warehoused or thrown out.
Book distributor shutting down deals logistical blow to libraries – NPR (12/29/2025)
Baker and Taylor is among a few companies that act as the distribution middle man between libraries and publishers. The company’s announcement that it is shutting down is a blow to librarians.
The cultural works becoming public domain in 2026, from Betty Boop to Nancy Drew– NPR (12/26/2025)
A new year means a new parade of classic characters and works entering the public domain.
Under U.S. law, the copyright on thousands of creations from 1930 — including films, books, musical compositions and more — will expire at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2026, meaning they will be free to use, share and adapt after nearly a century.
This Artist Put 2,500 of Her Favorite Books in a Massive Rotating Library on Miami Beach – Smithsonian Magazine (12/8/2025)
The 20-foot-tall installation, titled “Library of Us,” featured titles that hold personal meaning for British artist Es Devlin—who invited visitors to sit on nearby benches and read.
*Links provided to external (non-MBLC) news stories are done so as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the MBLC. MBLC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on January 8 (Hybrid) Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meetingof the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the MBLC Office, 90 Canal Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA.
$5.4 Million Library Construction Grant Awarded to Blandford
This January, the MBLC is launching a 12-month series, Core Connections, to showcase how libraries are uniquely positioned to create consistent opportunities and partnerships to uplift both our patrons and our staff. The series is a mix of informational sessions, workshops and panel discussions focused on practical tools and resources to build community supports and strengthen allyship of vulnerable and marginalized individuals. Read more about Core Connections and the monthly topics for 2026 at the MBLC Blog.
Library workers, users, partners, stakeholders, and community members are invited to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions about the future directions of Massachusetts Libraries broadly and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), the Commonwealth’s state agency that supports libraries through funding, guidance, partnerships, and the coordination of statewide services. Learn more about the MBLC, its mission, and its current programs and services by visiting the agency’s website.
The third and final group of municipalities meeting all State Aid requirements will be brought before the Board of Library Commissioners at their January 8th meeting. We’ll email the State Aid listserv after the meeting with a list of municipalities certified and their initial State Aid grant awards- Directors, be sure you’re signed up here: https://mblc.state.ma.us/sympa/info/stateaid.
Nine municipalities are petitioning the Board of Library Commissioners for waivers of the FY26 MAR (Municipal Appropriation Requirement). Those petitions will be presented to the Board at the January meeting, and voted on at the February 5th meeting.
We’re taking a break from State Aid Office Hours so we can wrap up this year’s State Aid cycle- but don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about State Aid or your upcoming FY27 budget cycle!
Justice Involved Library Services: A Roundtable Discussion (Online)
Connect with fellow librarians providing library services to individuals currently and formerly experiencing incarceration in state, county and youth facilities in Massachusetts. Join this conversation to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a supportive community. Whether you work directly in a carceral facility, have experience collaborating with institutions to provide outreach, or you are a librarian interested in developing an outreach partnership, this meetup group provides a forum to come together for meaningful discussion and resource sharing.
Registration is not required. This is an existing group that meets monthly on the first Thursday at 1pm.
Need help making your web content accessible? MBLC staff are here to help! Join our office hours every first Friday at 11AM or third Wednesday at 3PM. View all upcoming Web Accessibility programming under the Internet, Technology, and Access category on our calendar.
Open to all Directors, Trustees, Library Friends, and Foundation Members. They are designed to be an open-ended, safe space for questions and interaction among participants. Sessions will NOT be recorded, and chats will NOT be saved. Registration is not required; stop by anytime during the hour!
Core Connections: Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your Library (Online)
Join us for a new 12-month series that showcases the value of library strategic partnerships and meaningful allyship in our work environments to provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized individuals. January’s topic is Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your Library. Learn more about the topics to come at the MBLC’s Core Connections page.
Explore how libraries can enhance community support through social services. Connect with librarians, social workers, and social service providers to share insights, success stories, and practical tips.
Libraries need active and engaged trustees now more than ever. If you are a new trustee hoping to learn more about your role or a more seasoned trustee looking for a deeper understanding of the basics, you are invited to the MBLC’s Library Trustee Orientation.
This is a 4-session course where you will learn more about your role and responsibilities as a Library Trustee.
If you are unable to attend all 4 sessions live, please register anyway to receive the recordings and resources.
Sessions will be recorded and sent to all registrants
Resources (including slides) will be sent to all registrants
Connect with literacy coordinators and library staff to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a supportive community. Whether you’re an experienced educator, a new ESOL coordinator, or a librarian developing services and collections, this roundtable provides a forum to come together for meaningful discussion and resource sharing.
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on February 5 (Hybrid) Contact:Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meetingof the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the MBLC Offices.
Keep your public library a part of local, county, and state conversations. In this webinar, Al Hayden, Library Advisory Specialist with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, will discuss ways that library trustees and other library advocates can keep their public library a part of the local, county, and state conversations throughout the year. This webinar will be hosted by Niche Academy.
Introduction to Canva for Library Advocates (Online)
Library advocates are increasingly asked to communicate with library supporters across different platforms and in different ways. If you find yourself struggling to keep up, or are creating flyers, newsletters, or social media posts with tools that don’t quite fit your vision, you’re invited spend your lunch hour learning how to use Canva, an online graphic design tool that is user-friendly, free, and already used by many of the libraries you’re supporting.
In this program, you will get an introduction to the basics of Canva with a focus on tools you can use to advocate for your library. Live demonstrations will get you started creating, editing, and adapting designs like infographics, flyers, newsletters, and more that can be used for fundraising, advocacy, and communications about your mission. You will also be provided with a prompt that encourages you to practice your new skill set after the session.
This session will be recorded, and the recording will be sent out to all registrants.
MBLC staff not pictured: Amy Clayton, Terry D’Angelo, Jen Inglis, Jaccavrie McNeely, Uechi Ng, Aparna Ramachandran and Lilli Sutton.
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.
Best Wishes,
Vicky Biancolo
MBLC Chair
MBLC Commissioners from Left to Right: Commissioner Kemarah Sika, Commissioner Kate Chang, Commissioner Karen Traub, Commissioner George Comeau, Chair Vicky Biancolo, Vice Chair Tim Cherubini, Commissioner Debby Conrad, Secretary Joyce Linehan, and Commissioner Jessica Vilas
~ Ally Dowds, MBLC Consultant to Special Populations
This January, the MBLC is launching a 12-month series, Core Connections, to showcase how libraries are uniquely positioned to create consistent opportunities and partnerships to uplift both our patrons and our staff. The series is a mix of informational sessions, workshops and panel discussions focused on practical tools and resources to build community supports and strengthen allyship of vulnerable and marginalized individuals.
Join us each month to explore new topics with statewide partners and library peers that address emerging library trends, adaptive and accessible spaces for people living with disabilities, and outreach to isolated community members who may be aging, struggling with mental health or justice impacted. Leave with a sense of learning, understanding and deeper support for what it means to break down barriers and foster a culture of care.
Core Connections Roadmap
Building connections isn’t just one single step. It’s ongoing work and immersion. Monthly topics are still developing, may evolve or shift, but the roadmap ahead will hopefully guide and pique your interests to join the conversation.
For library managers, directors and trustees. This session offers a forum to explore what meaningful allyship looks like for LGBTQ+ library staff, how library spaces are an essential part of allyship, and a general overview on what can be done to make your workplaces safer and more LGBTQIA+ affirming. Facilitated by the Massachusetts Commission for LGBTQIA Youth
Take a collective breath with Somerville Public Library’s very own social worker, Jake Savage, and familiarize yourself with trauma and the concept of trauma-informed engagement to develop strategies for working with library patrons.
May: Libraries as Health Equity Hubs
A panel featuring perspectives from staff at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health encouraging conversations on mental health in the workplace and among library service populations.
Hear from library colleagues in Massachusetts who have participated in ALA’s Law for Librarians and are part of a national cadre of trainers empowered to deflect censorship challenges and other legal hurdles impacting libraries.
August: Finding Grants and Funding
As this series builds partnerships and germinates ideas, the next step may be the need for critical funding. Join the MBLC staff and industry colleagues to discuss pathways for funding of new and evolving projects.
September: Allyship in Leadership: Supporting BIPOC Library Staff
For library managers, directors and trustees. A conversation around guidance and dialogue to learn actionable strategies for fostering inclusive leadership and uplifting the experiences of BIPOC staff in library workplaces.
October: Libraries Beyond Accessibility: Serving Patrons with Print and Other Disabilities
Many libraries throughout the Commonwealth are designated access centers and offer special assistive aids and technology. Learn how your library can take this conversation beyond technology and tools for comprehensive, universal engagement. Facilitated by Perkins Library.
November: Allyship in Leadership: Supporting Staff with Disabilities
For library managers, directors and trustees. A conversation around guidance and dialogue on how to foster an inclusive, accessible and legally compliant workplace through reasonable accommodations, respectful communication and supportive practices.
December: Bridging gaps in services to justice-involved communities
Learn from a panel of library colleagues about how your library can bridge service gaps and better support justice-involved community members through inclusive, informed practices.
MBLC Starts Federal Program Rebuild – MBLC Press Release (12/5/2025)
On December 3, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced it had reinstated all federal grants which were terminated due to Executive Order 14238 signed by President Trump on March 14, 2025. The goal of the executive order was to eliminate IMLS “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”
$5.4 Million Library Construction Grant Awarded to Blandford – MBLC Press Release (12/4/2025)
At its December board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded a $5.4 million Small Population library construction grant to the Town of Blandford for the renovation and expansion of the Porter Memorial Library as part of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). Small population grants are awarded to municipalities with populations less than 2,500.
‘Free expression’ bill lays out process for book access, removal – State House News Service via The Berkshire Eagle (11/6/2025)
Senate Democrats on Thursday scheduled for action legislation to address book bans and strengthen protections for public transit workers who experience violence on the job.
State Senate OKs Feeney’s bill to improve library access to digital resources—The Foxboro Reporter (11/20/2025)
The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to help Massachusetts Public Libraries more accessibly provide in-demand digital resources such as eBooks and audiobooks.
State Sen. Paul Feeney, D-Foxboro, is the lead sponsor of the bill, as well as the Senate Chair of the Library Legislative Caucus.
Signed steel beam placed in Fitchburg library under construction –Sentintel & Enterprise (11/23/2025)
FITCHBURG — Friday’s momentous occasion in the city marked another chapter in the library renovation project.
State and local officials, members of the library project’s campaign committee, members of the business community and others were invited to sign a steel beam that was then lifted by a crane and put solidly into place at the construction site of the new library that is scheduled to be completed next year.
Comerford talks grants, health insurance and legislative priorities with Erving officials –Greenfield Recorder (11/13/2025)
ERVING — State Sen. Jo Comerford joined Erving officials this week to discuss the town’s successes and challenges, including recent grant awards and the impact of rising health insurance costs. One of the main pieces of legislation Comerford mentioned is a bill that would establish a municipal and public safety building authority to help towns afford improvements to or replacement of municipal buildings. Comerford said it would be similar to the state Board of Library Commissioners’ Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program.
Swansea’s $19M library is open to the public. Take a peek inside the ‘beautiful’ space –The Herald News (11/12/2025)
SWANSEA — The Swansea Free Public Library is officially buzzing with activity at its Main Street location that served roughly 75 patrons after just four hours after opening on Nov. 10.
Swansea’s library construction project was supported in part by an MBLC Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant.
Senator Jake Oliveira receives award for library advocacy–WWLP (11/8/2025)
BOSTON (WWLP) – State Senator Jake Oliveira (Ludlow-D) has received the Caleb Benjamin Tillinghast Award in recognition of his leadership in strengthening public libraries across the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners honors Wellesley’s Mary Ann Cluggish – The Swellesley Report (11/6/2025)
Congrats to Wellesley’s Mary Ann Cluggish, this year’s recipient of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ Elizabeth P. Sohier Award. A ceremony honoring Cluggish and others was held on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the State House.
What about YOUR Library? – Al Hayden, MBLC Blog (11/21/2025)
If you’ve followed me all the way down this experimental rabbit hole, thank you! Here’s what we’ve learned about what happens in libraries in an economic downturn: Massachusetts libraries did more with less. I’ve created an editable infographic template and accompanying spreadsheet that you can use to learn and share more about what a recession may look like for your library.
Library on Track for Early 2026 Opening – The Belmont Voice (10/17/2025)
The municipal rink is weeks shy of its grand opening, and the new library, located just across the street, will be following in its footsteps.
“It’s pretty exciting,” said Library Director Peter Struzziero. “I’m working on my 11th year, and I’ve been working on the project the whole time and we’ll be open in less than three months.”
ALA welcomes reinstatement of all federal IMLS grants to libraries– American Library Association Press Release (12/3/2025)
Washington – Today, the American Library Association (ALA) greeted an announcement by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that it had reinstated all the agency’s grants, including those to libraries and library organizations across the country. The grant reinstatements come as a direct result of a November 21 federal court decision in a lawsuit brought against President Trump by 21 states.
A Major Court Win for IMLS, Libraries – Book Riot (11/24/2025) U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general suing Donald Trump over the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and several other small federal agencies. This permanent injunction means that the Trump administration cannot do further harm to the IMLS.
Supreme Court bars Trump from firing Library of Congress official for now – CNN (11/26/2025) The Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump from replacing a top official at the Library of Congress for now, deferring a decision on his emergency appeal until it resolves a pair of related cases.
Federal Cuts, Immigration Raids and a Slowing Economy Hit Rural Libraries – The New York Times (11/10/2025)
Cole Leinbach, a librarian in Tieton, Wash., population 1,610, watched intently as a 7-year-old girl hunkered down with a book in a corner of the town’s one-room library. Her brother, 4, had opened a board game searching for potential toys. Their mother talked quietly on her phone in Spanish.
“This is what libraries are supposed to be,” he said, “just a place a mom can go with her kids for an hour to hang out and get some kind of enriching entertainment.”
8 Best American Cities for People Who Love Libraries – Mental Floss (11/30/2025) Travel to these cities to explore the gorgeous—and extensive—public libraries. The list includes Boston, MA.
*Links provided to external (non-MBLC) news stories are done so as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the MBLC. MBLC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.
Today we received more good news about the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The Rhode Island v. Trump First Circuit argument scheduled for Dec 4 in Boston will not be going forward. In light of the district court’s granting of summary judgment and a permanent injunction to the states, the federal government filed an assented-to motion to dismiss the appeal as moot, which the court granted yesterday.
As a refresher, last Friday, November 21, U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell ruled in favor of 21 state attorneys general, including Massachusetts, determining that Executive Order 14238, which sought to dismantle IMLS, exceeded presidential authority and violated laws governing agencies established by Congress.
The court ruling permanently blocks Executive Order 14238 and ensures that IMLS can continue delivering critical support and funding for libraries nationwide and prohibits any further attempts to dismantle the agency.
If the Trump administration appeals the permanent injunction, we will keep you informed. For now, this is great news for IMLS!
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on December 3 (Hybrid) Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meetingof the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 9AM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the MBLC Office, 90 Canal Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA.
IMLS Protected by Major Court Ruling as Appeal Moves Forward in Boston
UPDATE: as of 11:30AM 11/26/2025, the December 4 hearing has been canceled.
State and local officials joined residents, library trustees, and staff on Saturday, November 8, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Swansea Free Public Library. The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together hundreds of people from the community and marked the completion of the long-anticipated project which was supported in part by a $7.7 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). For more on Swansea’s new library, visit the MBLC website.
2025 Commissioner Award Winners Honored at State House
The second group of municipalities to be certified will be brought before the Board of Library Commissioners at their December 3rd meeting, and certifications will continue at the January meeting. We’ll email the State Aid listserv after each meeting with a list of municipalities certified and their initial State Aid grant awards- Directors, be sure you’re signed up here: https://mblc.state.ma.us/sympa/info/stateaid.
We’re taking a break from State Aid Office Hours so we can focus on certifying all municipalities as quickly as possible- but don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about State Aid or your upcoming FY27 budget cycle!
Justice Involved Library Services: A Roundtable Discussion (Online)
Connect with fellow librarians providing library services to individuals currently and formerly experiencing incarceration in state, county and youth facilities in Massachusetts. Join this conversation to exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and build a supportive community. Whether you work directly in a carceral facility, have experience collaborating with institutions to provide outreach, or you are a librarian interested in developing an outreach partnership, this meetup group provides a forum to come together for meaningful discussion and resource sharing.
Registration is not required. This is an existing group that meets monthly on the first Thursday at 1pm.
Need help making your web content accessible? MBLC staff are here to help! Join our office hours every first Friday at 11AM or third Wednesday at 3PM. View all upcoming Web Accessibility programming under the Internet, Technology, and Access category on our calendar.
Open to all Directors, Trustees, Library Friends, and Foundation Members. They are designed to be an open-ended, safe space for questions and interaction among participants. Sessions will NOT be recorded, and chats will NOT be saved. Registration is not required; stop by anytime during the hour!
NEW BLOG POST!Fortifying Your Library: What about YOUR library?
The MBLC is offering another round of free environmental monitoring support with Conserv from January-June 2026. Participating sites receive Conserv’s monitoring equipment, a dedicated Conserv Cloud account through June of 2026, training sessions, online learning resources, webinars on collections care, and optional virtual or in-person consultations. To join the program, complete the interest form at https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/em-cohort-d-interest by November 30, 2025. Questions can be directed to MBLC Preservation Specialist Jess Colati at jessica.colati@mass.gov.
Core Connections: Building Community Supports & Allyship at Your Library (Online)
Join us for a new 12-month series that showcases the value of library strategic partnerships and meaningful allyship in our work environments to provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized individuals. Through a mix of informational sessions, workshops and panel discussions, library staff and stakeholders will explore collaborations and best practices that provide practical solutions and resources for trauma-informed, inclusive library environments. Explore new topics each month with statewide partners that address emerging library trends, adaptive and accessible spaces for people living with disabilities, and outreach to isolated community members who may be aging, struggling with mental health or justice impacted. January’s topic is Building Deaf-Friendly Libraries.
MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on January 8 (Hybrid) Contact:Rachel Masse
The regular monthly board meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the MBLC Offices.
