Category: Library News

MBLC May 9 Update

Dear Colleagues,

Yesterday, President Trump fired Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress who has been a champion of intellectual freedom. Hearing this news early today was both upsetting and infuriating. My colleague Karen Mellor, the Chief of Library Services at the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services framed the situation eloquently when she said, “The country is poorer now for the irrational removal of a respected and thoughtful leader of one of our nation’s leading institutions.” Dr. Hayden was the first woman and first African American Librarian of Congress. She was appointed by President Obama and confirmed by Congress in 2016, and served under the Obama, Trump, Biden, and Trump’s current administrations. Her entire career has been focused on equity in library services, patron privacy, outreach, and building diversity within the library workforce.

Dr. Hayden’s abrupt termination is a stark reminder that our freedom, including our freedom to read, is being challenged across the country. Hereat home we need to continue efforts to pass legislation that protects that right — and protects the librarians who work to ensure that all voices are part of library collections.

We received notice this week that a federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction halting the further dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)  that began on March 14 when President Trump signed Executive Order 14238 eliminating IMLS to “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.”   The preliminary injunction comes as part of the lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 21 states, including Massachusetts.  This is separate from the lawsuit filed by the American Library Association and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) which as I reported out in last week’s update, was granted a temporary restraining order to block the dismantling of IMLS.

These are solid wins. In the long game they may move us closer to a return to reliable federal funding for libraries. But right now, the MBLC is facing difficult decisions that are based on what we do know: federal uncertainty persists. We cannot sign contracts or move ahead with services for FY2026 based on what we hope will happen with federal funding.

We’ve been asked if there’s a possibility that the flow of federal funding will return for FY2026. There’s always that possibility.  And should the funding requirements align with the values we’ve held since our founding in 1890, we’ll gladly accept them and put them to work serving the people of the Commonwealth.

Please continue to reach out with questions. We appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Maureen Amyot

Director

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

MBLC May 2 Update

Dear Colleagues,

I’m glad to be able to start this update with some good news. Last night, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order to block the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that resulted from President Trump’s Executive Order 14238. We’re working to determine how this will impact our ability to access IMLS funds.

In the meantime, with FY2026 rapidly approaching, the MBLC continues to navigate and plan for staff and services in a rapidly changing environment. Some states have received IMLS reimbursements (including us—more information below) and there are reports that funds for FY2026 are coming. On the surface these sound like positive developments. However, with little to no staff at IMLS (the majority of IMLS employees were placed on a 90 day leave at the end of March) and what appear to be new requirements to receive funding, questions remain about IMLS as a reliable source of funding.

Some quick background:  Prior to President Trump’s Executive Order, IMLS required the MBLC to submit a five-year plan that sets broad strategic direction for the use of federal funds, and after five years there is an evaluation. Plans and evaluations are on the MBLC website.

Now, compliance with other executive orders filed by President Trump may be part of the process to receive IMLS funding. In late April, the MBLC received the email below from IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling asking the MBLC for the following information:

From the Sonderling email:
Pursuant to 20 USC § 9134 and your obligations under the Grant Award Guidance and Statement of Assurances and Certifications, please provide IMLS with the following information:

  1. Whether and how federal taxpayer dollars provided to you under the Grants to States program have been used, or are still being used, to subsidize programs that conflict with government policy as found below:

Executive Order 14151, Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and

Executive Order 14253, Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, and

Executive Orders 13899 and 14188, Combating Anti-Semitism and Additional Measures To Combat Anti-Semitism, and

Executive Order 14168, Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and

Executive Order 14202, Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias, and

Executive Order 14190, Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling, and

  1. How federal taxpayer dollars provided to you under the Grants to States program are being used to facilitate access to resources that cultivate an educated and informed American citizenry, and
  2. How you plan to involve your agencies in the upcoming celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America?

The MBLC is responding with the requested information. That said, the MBLC remains committed to serving everyone—it’s what we have done since 1890 and it’s what we will continue to do.

In terms of reimbursements, as a sort of trial run, the MBLC submitted a small reimbursement to IMLS on April 6. Nearly a month later, we received notice that reimbursement is being processed. Before President Trump’s Executive Order, turnaround time for reimbursements was a few days. This lag time may be indicative of the ongoing challenges of trying to run IMLS with little to no staff.

Both the instability at IMLS and the Sonderling email serve as indicators that at this point, federal funding remains uncertain. This places the MBLC in the position of planning for FY2026 without federal funding. The broad effect of President Trump’s Executive Orders, impacting more than libraries, and creating funding challenges across the state, means that the state budget cannot make up the total loss of the $3.6 million in IMLS funds the MBLC receives.

At yesterday’s MBLC board meeting, I called the situation dire. For example, the state House Ways and Means budget, which level funded all MBLC budget lines, leaves us short in our agency line, 7000-9101. Without the increase of $415,000 to this line as requested in the FY2026 Legislative Agenda, and in spite of cutting absolutely everything possible from that line, the MBLC cannot cover the basic costs for the agency – salaries and the lease on our office space. There isn’t any place else within our budget lines that funding for agency operations can come from.

In terms of MBLC staff, we’re already lean—having gone from a staffing high of 38 in previous years to 23 current staff members. To provide the services required in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 78, we need every single person we currently have on staff. If we cut staff, we will have to cut services, and that would put us out of compliance with state law.

For FY2026, we continue to work on plans and are in constant communication with the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and vendors as we figure out funding levels that would allow us to continue as many services as possible with the funds we have left.

Our efforts now turn to the Senate which will release its budget proposal this month. It is crucial that progress is made towards the funding requested in the FY2026 Legislative Agenda, especially budget line 7000-9101, Board of Library Commissioners.

Sincerely,

Maureen Amyot

Director, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

MBLC Service Update – April 30, 2025

📄 MBLC Service Update – April 2025 (PDF)Download

🕙 MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on May 1st (Remote)

Contact: Rachel Masse

The regular monthly board meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, May 1st, 2025.  This meeting is fully remote.

📰 House Ways and Means Level Funds Libraries

Contact: Celeste Bruno

On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee released their proposal for the FY2026 budget. Except for slight differences in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) agency line (7000-9101) and Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506), the House proposal funds all MBLC budget lines at FY2025 levels which aligns with the Governor’s budget released in January. The full budget chart is available on the MBLC website. To read more about FY2026 level funding for libraries in Massachusetts, visit the MBLC website.

📰 Melrose Celebrates its New Library

Contact: Celeste Bruno

On April 15, 2025, Melrose residents were joined by state and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new Melrose Public Library. “The construction of any library, no matter the size, affirms the principles and freedoms we stand on,” said Commissioner Jessica Vilas Novas from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The project was partially funded with a $8 million grant through the MBLC’s Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). To read more about Melrose’s new library, visit the MBLC website.

📰 Federal Uncertainty Causes Cuts 

Contact: Celeste Bruno

In the wake of President Trump’s Executive Order 14238 that targeted the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the notice that the entire IMLS staff was put on administrative leave on March 31, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) announced cuts to library services and grants at its monthly board meeting. To read more about cuts due to federal funding uncertainty, visit the MBLC website.

🏛️ Sharon Public Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 

Monday, May 19 at 2P – More Information

A grand opening celebration will be held a tthe new Sharon Public Library at 1 School Street at 2PM on Monday, May 19. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony, a tour of the new library, mural unveiling in vesituble and the mural artist will speak in the new Community Room. Parking will be available at the library and at the High Street lot.  To learn more about the Sharon Public Library project, visit the Town of Sharon’s website. 

🗣️ ESOL Roundtable Discussion (Online) 

Contact: Ally Dowds

Wednesday, April 30 at 1PM – Registration & Zoom Link

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. Bring your questions, challenges, and successes! 

🗨️ Preservation Office Hours Pop Up (Online)

Contact: Jess Colati

Friday, May 2 at 10AM – More Information & Zoom Link

Open to all interested in ensuring safe and stable storage and improving collection management for your library or organization’s preservation projects.  Connect with the MBLC’s Preservation Specialist, Jess Colati and colleagues around the Commonwealth that work to advance the protection of cultural collections during monthly office hours.  Sessions and chats are not recorded or saved. 

🧊 Libraries as Cooling Centers: Every Library Can Be One! Presented by the Northeast Summit for Climate Adaptation for Library Facilities (Online) 

Contact: Andrea Bono-Bunker

Tuesday, May 6 at 1PM – Registration & More Information

The Northeast Summit on Climate Adaptation for Library Facilities is pleased to announce this last webinar for the 2024-2025 season. The session will begin with a brief overview of what the term cooling center means. You may be surprised to find that your library is one, even if you weren’t using that term! There will also be a keynote speaker, Jared Ulmer, from the Vermont Department of Health and a panel discussion.  This event is part of the Northeast Summit on Climate Adaptation for Library Facilities, a collaboration of the State Libraries from Maine to Maryland. This webinar was planned by the Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services and the Vermont Department of Libraries. 

🗨️ Preservation Office Hours (Online) 

Contact: Jess Colati

Tuesday, May 6 at 10AM – More Information & Zoom Link

Tuesday, May 20 at 10AM – More Information & Zoom Link

Open to all interested in ensuring safe and stable storage and improving collection management for your library or organization’s preservation projects.  Connect with the MBLC’s Preservation Specialist, Jess Colati and colleagues around the Commonwealth that work to advance the protection of cultural collections during monthly office hours.  Sessions and chats are not recorded or saved. 

📅 Rapid Response Federal Layoff Information Sessions, Presented by the MassHire Rapid Response Team (Online) 

Contact: Ally Dowds

Tuesdays, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 12PM – Registration & More Information

MassHire is hosting a series of Federal Layoff Information Sessions to provide statewide, early intervention re-employment services to employees affected by layoffs and closings. Topics covered will include unemployment insurance eligibility, MassHire Career Center services and more.   View or download the flyer to share information about these sessions and to register to attend.  The MBLC will partner with MassHire in the near future to bring these sessions in person across the state. More information to come! 

️➡️ Get to Know Your Government: The Massachusetts Office on Disability (Online) 

Contact: Ally Dowds

Wednesday, May 7 at 2PM – Registration & Zoom Link

Join us for a conversation and Q&A with the Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) to learn more about this state agency, the guidance and support it provides to disability-related civil rights and architectural access, and a space to share feedback on how MOD can better serve both library staff and patrons. Registration is required.

🤝 So You Want to Be a Library Trustee? (Online) 

Contact: Al Hayden

Wednesday, May 7 at 7PM – More Information & Zoom Link

Do you want to do more to advocate on behalf of your local public library? Are you considering running to be a Library Trustee? Join us to learn more about what your library does for your community, the role of a Library Trustee, what responsibilities you’ll encounter should you become a successful candidate.  This program is a basic primer designed for people who are considering becoming a Library Trustee in their community, though new Trustees may find valuable information and are welcome to attend as well. 

🖥️ State Aid Waiver Overview (Online)  

Contact: Cate Merlin

Thursday, May 8 at 2PM – More Information & Zoom Link

As the FY26 budget cycle continues, learn about the process (and paperwork) required to apply for a waiver of the MAR, so you and your municipalities can be prepared. 


🤝 Library Advisory Office Hours (Online) 

Contact: Al Hayden

Monday, May 12 at 9AM – More Information & Zoom Link

Monday, May 26 at 2PM – More Information & Zoom Link

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!  

📈 Census Data for Libraries – Data on a Deadline (Online)

Contact: Al Hayden

Tuesday, May 13 at 2PM – More Information & Zoom Link

In this session we will explore census.gov and learn where to find and how to use a variety of data access tools that can quickly provide a snapshot of your community or state. Through short live demos you will gain insights about tools and resources such as QuickFacts, data.census.gov, Narrative Profiles, OnTheMap, Interactive Maps and more.  Attendance at the previous two sessions is not required to join this session. All registrants will receive a Zoom link for the webinar the day before the event. 

🖥️ B& T Connect Training (Online) 

Contact: Cate Merlin

Tuesday, May 13 at 2PM – More Information & Zoom Link

B&T Connect is the data analysis and visualization counterpoint to B&T Collect. This training will walk you through the basics of creating and viewing data and charts using years of your library data (and data from all MA libraries), so you can better advocate for your libraries and communities.   

💬 State Aid Office Hours (Online)  

Contact: Cate Merlin

Wednesday, May 14 at 9AM – More Information & Zoom Link 

Wednesday, May 28 at 2PM – More Information & Zoom Link 

Join Cate Merlin, Head of State Programs, and your fellow Library Directors, Trustees, and others seeking advice and answers as we embark upon the FY2026 budget season. Make sure your next budget, materials spending, and hours open fully meet State Aid requirements, and share ideas for budget strategies with others- registration is not required, and session and chats will not be recorded or saved.    

📞️ Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline 

Contact: Ally Dowds

MBLC has partnered with the Department of Mental Health to help libraries serve their communities with the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline, a statewide service that connects individuals directly to clinical help, when and where it is needed. 

  • Free, confidential, and no health insurance is required. 
  • Real-time interpretation in 200+ languages. 
  • Deaf or hard of hearing? Contact MassRelay at 711 or use your video relay or caption provider of choice. 

📆 Save the Date! *June 18* Introduction to the Statewide Patron Portal (Online) 

Contact: Jaccavrie McNeely

Wednesday, June 18 at 11A – More Information & Registration

Wednesday, June 18 at 2P – More Information & Registration

Join us on June 18th for an introduction to the Statewide Patron Portal at libraries.state.ma.us!  This walkthrough and information session will introduce our revamped site, including the Library of Things search and the statewide events calendar.  We’ll also discuss tagging events and updating your library’s information.  Register for the 11 am morning session or the 2 pm afternoon session. 


📜 MA250: Reading the Revolution–*LAST CALL* for your suggestions! 

Contact: Courtney Andree (MCB), June Thammasnong

📋 MA250 Reading the Revolution Suggestions Form

🧰MA250 Reading the Revolution Toolkit

Reading the Revolution is a collaborative, statewide reading list to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence. The Massachusetts Center of the Book and the MBLC invite you to share your suggestions for book titles, articles and online resources of untold and unsung histories in Massachusetts from the past 250 years. This is in partnership with Massachusetts250, a two-year campaign organized by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. 

Please send us your ideas and suggestions for “revolutionary” books, journal articles and online resources that you’d like us to consider!

🕙 MBLC Monthly Board Meeting on June 5th (Hybrid) 

Contact: Rachel Masse

The regular monthly board meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10AM on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, at the MBLC Office, 90 Canal Street, Boston.

McCauley wins 2026-2027 ALA presidency

PRESS RELEASE from the American Library Association | April 7, 2025

CHICAGO — Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts, has been elected 2025-2026 president-elect of the American Library Association (ALA).

McCauley received 5,483 votes, while her opponent, Lindsay Cronk, Dean of Libraries, Tulane University, New Orleans, received 2,665 votes.

Upon learning the outcome of the election, McCauley said, “I am honored to be elected President of the American Library Association for 2026-27 and grateful to everyone who voted. I look forward to working with library workers and advocates across every type of library in the United States and internationally.

We can support, inspire, and learn from each other as we seek to improve the excellent library services that we provide for our communities. We will also continue to advocate for and celebrate the power of libraries to transform lives. I thank the Nominating Committee, supporters, and volunteers, as well as running mate, Lindsay Cronk, and former running mate, Dr. Andrea Jamison, for inspiring me along the way.”

McCauley, who was a Spectrum Scholar, is a current member of Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures; the Public Library Association; and the Association of College and Research Libraries. She is also a current member of the Rainbow Round Table, Sustainability Round Table, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and the International Relations Round Table. She is also a member of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, Chinese American Librarians Association, Black Caucus of ALA, REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking, and the American Indian Library Association, and the Freedom to Read Foundation. She is also a member of the Massachusetts Library Association and the New England Library Association.

She has held several leadership positions, including At-Large Councilor, ALA Council, Executive Board member, and Fiscal and Audit Committee. She also was PLA president (2022-23) and a PLA board member.

McCauley holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Managerial Leadership in the Information Professions, Simmons University; an MLIS from University of Pittsburgh; a BA in Theater from Ohio Wesleyan University; Leadership Certificate Program, Northeastern University; Library Leadership for New Managers Program, Association of Research Libraries (ARL).

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America’s libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

24 Mayors and Municipal Leaders Fight for Library Funding

April 2, 2025

Dear Members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation:

On behalf of mayors and city officials across Massachusetts, we thank you for your leadership in representing the needs of our communities. We are writing to express our deep concern over an executive order signed March 14, 2025 that would target 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, however it only accounts for 0.003% of the federal budget.

In Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) received $3.6 million from IMLS’ Grants to States Programs. This money funds several statewide services for everyone, including the full and partial salaries for MBLC staff, statewide research databases, Summer Reading, the Statewide eBook Program, statewide trainings for librarians to increase access for people with vision loss, early literacy development and grade level reading programs, and Interlibrary Loan. It is also critical to note that IMLS funding also supports museums in our communities.

Libraries offer the opportunity for members of the public to access materials at no cost or low cost to them. For individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities, it can be difficult to sustain a need or desire for reading materials that are usable for their needs. Most importantly, Interlibrary Loan offers the chance for library patrons to obtain materials that are not a part of their home library’s collection. In towns that have smaller collections, Interlibrary Loan offers a gateway to materials throughout the Commonwealth.

As elected officials on the front lines, we know that libraries are more than spaces to hold reading materials. Libraries also serve as spaces that offer connections to social services and resources, support for small business owners and entrepreneurs, and they can serve as a space for community. Since their creation, American libraries have served to keep and circulate knowledge; they have remained dedicated
to promoting intellectual freedom in our democracy. We urge the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to work together and across party lines to protect IMLS funding from harmful cuts and policy changes. As local leaders, we are directly accountable to the residents we serve. Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to protecting the well-being of all residents.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Petty, Mayor of Worcester
Cathleen DeSimone, Mayor of Attleboro
Dori A. Vecchio, Interim Town Manager of Auburn
Robert Pontbriand, Town Manager of Ayer
Margaret “Peg” Stone, Select Board Chair of Berlin
Robert F. Sullivan, Mayor of Brockton
E. Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge
Charles Seelig, Town Administrator of East Bridgewater
Samantha Squailia, Mayor of Fitchburg
Charles Sisitsky, Mayor of Framingham
Michael J. Nicholson, Mayor of Gardner
Greg Verga, Mayor of Gloucester
Virginia “Ginny” Desorgher, Mayor of Greenfield
Melinda Barrett, Mayor of Haverhill
Brian A. DePeña, Mayor of Lawrence
Caesar Nuzzolo, Select Board Chair of Lunenburg
Jared C. Nicholson, Mayor of Lynn
David P. Beauregard, Jr., Mayor of Methuen
Ruthanne Fuller, Mayor of Newton
Gina-Louise Sciarra, Mayor of Northampton
Ted Bettencourt, Mayor of Peabody
Sherry Patch, Town Administrator of Princeton
Leah Whiteman, Select Board Chair of Rutland
Austin J. Cyganiewicz, Town Administrator of Rutland
Dominick Pangalo, Mayor of Salem
Domenic J. Sarno, Mayor of Springfield

Download the PDF of the 4.2.2025 Letter to Congressional Delegation Regarding Library Funding

MBLC March 28 update on IMLS

Dear Colleagues:

Much has happened in the two weeks in since President Trump signed Executive Order 14238. However, the primary question remains: will Massachusetts and all the other states receive the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) funding that is in statute?

To that end the IMLS Board sent a letter to IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling with the Board’s determination that “the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018, as codified in Title 20 of the U.S. Code, outlines specific statutory mandates that cannot be paused, reduced, or eliminated without violating Congressional intent and federal statute.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) also led a bipartisan effort to send a letter to the IMLS acting director seeking assurances that allocated federal funding for IMLS will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with bipartisan approved appropriations laws. Senator Reed was joined by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). Both are tangible examples that making our voices heard is paying off. Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) released a statement opposing the executive order, and sent information about a new initiative by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) to collect stories: https://www.markey.senate.gov/trumpstories. MLA also informed us that Representatives Dina Titus (NV-01) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) are circulating a letter for other members of the House of Representatives to sign onto asking the Administration to reconsider the executive order. The deadline for members of Congress to sign onto the letter is the end of the day today, Friday, March 28.

At the MBLC we appreciate the emails we’ve received letting us know how important databases are, or the huge impact an LSTA grant had on your community, or how much your patrons rely on ComCat. These stories help us demonstrate the importance and value of these services.

The MBLC continues working with other state library agencies to assess the impact and share information. The MBLC also met with the Talking Book Libraries, Networks, MLA, Massachusetts School Library Association, Massachusetts Center for the Book, and the Massachusetts Library System. We plan to hold meetings with the broader library community when we have more answers and more concrete information to share.

In the meantime, understanding how the MBLC receives federal funds may be helpful. The MBLC was awarded $3.6 million through IMLS’ Grants to States program. The MBLC does not receive the funds in a lump sum. Instead, we submit a monthly invoice and are reimbursed. We are concerned that this may end with little or no warning. It is in this environment of uncertainty that the MBLC is working to find ways to hold steady the services that libraries and patrons need. Services depend on staff. More than half of the MBLC’s 23 staff members are at least partially funded with federal dollars. The entire State Aid to Public Libraries staff falls into this category. So, while the State Aid Program is funded with state dollars, the ability for the program to function depends on staff who are partially funded with federal dollars. Staff continue to support and advise trustees, run the direct grant program, develop trainings, partnerships, and resources to support our most vulnerable populations, work with Networks, and more. Simply put, without staff at the agency we cannot provide the services required under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 78. Our staff is the service we provide to the library community.

Thanks to the careful extensive planning by MBLC staff, statewide databases, ComCat, and the platform that makes statewide eBook sharing possible will continue uninterrupted for the remainder of the fiscal year (ending June 30, 2025). This allows some time for legislative efforts and potential legal pushbacks to play out.  

That doesn’t mean we stop planning. Maintaining services is our priority and we will continue to work towards that end. Please continue to reach out with questions or concerns anytime.

Sincerely,

Maureen Amyot

Director, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

 

Bipartisan Senate Support Letter

PRESS RELEASE: March 26, 2025

CONTACT: Chip Unruh (Reed), 202-224-4642

Ishya Verma (Gillibrand), 202-224-4451

Blake Kernen (Collins), 202-997-6623

Joseph Plesha (Murkowski), 202-224-6665

Reed Leads Bipartisan Effort to Preserve Support for Public Libraries & Museums

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the leading champion for public libraries in the U.S. Congress, today led the co-authors of the last reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act in sending a letter to the acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) seeking assurances that allocated federal funding for IMLS will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with bipartisan approved appropriations laws.

Senator Reed was joined by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in writing to IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling urging him to continue IMLS’s mission to engage with and support libraries and museums, as Congress intended when it created the agency. The letter comes in response to a March 14, 2025 executive order [whitehouse.gov] issued by President Trump that seeks to eliminate the IMLS to the greatest extent possible under the law along with several other federal agencies and services.

“As the lead authors of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) of 2018 (PL 115-40), which was signed into law by President Trump, we write to remind the Administration of its obligation to faithfully execute the provisions of the law as authorized,” the Senators wrote.  “The MLSA established the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and tasked the Director with the “primary responsibility for the development and implementation of policy to ensure the availability of museum, library, and information services adequate to meet the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the people of the United States.”

Senator Reed and his colleagues called attention to the fact that IMLS is the largest supporter and investor in public libraries, museums, and archives across the nation which all play critical roles in strengthening local communities.

Federal funding made available through IMLS programs help to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income or socioeconomic background, have access to free books, services, skills and career training, internet connection, and much more that is provided through the nation’s system of public libraries as well as educational and cultural enrichment provided through local museums.

The Senators continued: “Libraries and museums play a vital role in our communities. Libraries offer access for all to essential information and engagement on a wide range of topics, including skills and career training, broadband, and computing services. IMLS grants enable libraries to develop services in every community throughout the nation, including people of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, residents of rural and urban areas, Native Americans, military families, veterans, and caregivers. Museums serve not only as centers for education but also as drivers of local economic development.”

In an effort to ensure that the Trump Administration keeps true to the spirit of the law when it comes to funding IMLS and disbursing federal funding through its grant programs, the Senators said: “We expect that the Administration will implement the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 in a manner consistent with these allocations enacted in Fiscal Year 2024. We also expect that the Administration will allow the IMLS to engage with and support both libraries and museums as Congress intended and as authorized in the MLSA.”

Read the full text of the letter [reed.senate.gov] at Senator Reed’s Office online.

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).

From the executive order:
This order continues the reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.

The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.

Why this matters to you and to Massachusetts libraries:
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners receives $3.6 million from IMLS’ Grants to States Program. The MBLC uses these funds for statewide services for everyone, including:

  • MBLC staff: 13 of the MBLC’s 23 staff members are at least partially funded through IMLS (5 fully funded, 8 partially funded)
  • Statewide research databases
  • The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat)
  • Summer Reading
  • The Statewide eBook Program (Library eBooks and AudioBooks-LEA) Funding for the eBook platform and some eBook content.
  • Statewide trainings for librarians to increase access for people with vision loss
  • Data collection and reporting
  • Federal funding also supports the E-Rate program

Key Points to remember:

  • IMLS’ Grants to States Program (which is how Massachusetts and every other state gets federal funding for libraries) is in statute, Chapter 72 of Title 20 of the U.S. Code, so we’ll be getting more information to clarify the impact of this executive order.
  • EveryLibrary has provided helpful statutory information
  • The MBLC has been contingency planning for several months and if federal funds are eliminated or greatly reduced, it will act to preserve the core library services it provides.
  • Everyone can take action to stop the targeted attacks on libraries.

Empowered by Libraries (MBLC)
EveryLibrary Petition: Stop Trump’s E.O. Attacks on Federal Funding for Libraries
Show Up For Our Libraries (ALA)
Federal Legislators: FIND YOUR MEMBER
State Legislators: FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR

Questions about MBLC services:

Is the State Aid to Public Libraries Program affected by federal funding? State Aid Grant Awards that public libraries receive through the State Aid to Public Libraries are fully funded by the annual state budget line 7000-9501. Not federal funding. However, all staff who work in the State Aid Unit are funded in part through federal funding. Data reporting through ARIS will continue.

What do I do if I have an LSTA grant from the MBLC? If you received a federal grant (LSTA) from the MBLC in July 2024, your grant is secure and you should proceed with your intended service. For libraries that recently were awarded Explore Grants, the MBLC is proceeding with grant disbursement as planned. Should that change the MBLC will reach out to individual grant recipients.

Are the grants from Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) affected by federal funding? The MPLCP is not federally funded. Governor Maura Healey and the State Legislature included $150 million for the MPLCP in the Economic Development Bill.

Are any of the MBLC services going to be immediately affected? Right now, statewide databases, ComCat, and the other services the MBLC provides (mentioned above) will continue. Should that change, the MBLC will notify the library community immediately.

The executive order raises many questions about which programs are statutory, and which are discretionary. In the days ahead, the MBLC will work with our state and federal partners to determine a course of action and provide you with more information as it becomes available. Please reach out with questions anytime.

Sincerely,
Maureen Amyot
Director, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

Read the COSLA statement on the Executive order impacting IMLS

The End of a (Construction) Chapter

By Lauren Stara, Library Building Specialist

We are delighted to announce the completion of the waiting list from the 2016-2017 Grant Round for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). In July of 2017, the Commissioners approved immediate funding for nine construction projects and placed 24 municipalities on a waiting list for funding as our annual capital budget allowed. Because of escalating construction costs, it’s taken six years to make our way through the waiting list. The final three communities’ provisional grants were awarded by the Commissioners at their monthly meeting on July 13.

Despite the effects of the pandemic, the proportion of declined grants is in line with MPLCP history. Between 25% and 30% of municipalities have declined MPLCP grants in rounds over the last 35 years.

2016-2017 Construction Grant Round – statistics to date:

  • 33 projects approved for funding in 2017
  • 13 projects completed
  • 2 projects under construction
  • 5 projects in final planning
  • 2 projects awarded provisional grants with local funding approved & final planning underway
  • 1 project awarded a provisional grant with local funding to be approved
  • 10 grants declined

(2023 Map of New Libraries in MA and library construction in the past 20 years.)

For more details about the projects and municipalities funded, visit the MBLC’s website page on Construction Programs and Support.

As you may know, we have already launched the the 2023-2024 grant round, which follows a new competitive, single-application process, combining the old Planning & Design grant round with the old Construction grant round. This streamlining eliminates approximately two years from the former project timeline, which we hope will result in more success in passing local funding and lower escalation for awarded projects. As a result of our Small Library Pilot Project, we also added a new grant category for small population towns of under 2,500. We received 27 Letters of Intent to apply for the new grant round, with applications due in May of 2024. We anticipate that the Commissioners will approve these grants in October of 2024, after the independent review process.For more information about the new grant round, visit the MBLC’s Construction Programs and Support page.

If you have any questions about the MPLCP, please contact me at lauren.stara@mass.gov or Andrea Bono-Bunker at andrea.bunker@mass.gov.