2020 Hurricane Preparedness Week

The Governor has proclaimed the week of July 12 to July 18 Hurricane Preparedness Week in the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) with Coordinated Statewide Emergency Preparedness (COSTEP) has created important information for cultural institutions to keep in mind as hurricane season progresses.

The peak of hurricane season is in August and September, and this year, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above normal season. Although Massachusetts has not seen a hurricane since Hurricane Bob in 1991, it has a history of destructive storms, and the whole state is at risk with the threat of storm surges in coastal areas and high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding inland. It is important to remember that these storms will continue during the COVID-19 pandemic and that it only takes one storm to severely impact an area.

How Residents Can Prepare

Evacuation Zones: There are several different evacuation zones in the coastal parts of the state. Residents can look up to see if they live or work in one at www.mass.gov/knowyourzone.

Make an Emergency Plan: Develop a plan with the members of your household to prepare for what to do in a tropical cyclone including making an evacuation plan, planning for individuals with access and functional needs, and any extra considerations during COVID-19 pandemic including how you might evacuate and where you might evacuate to. If you are in a high-risk population, the safest option may be to evacuate to a location without the general public such as a hotel, relatives’ home or other destination. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/make-a-family-emergency-plan

Build an Emergency Kit: Build an emergency kit containing items that will sustain you and your family in the event you are isolated for three to five days without power or unable to go to a store and customize for your family’s needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, include face coverings, masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies that you may need. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/build-an-emergency-kit.

Stay Informed: Every family should have multiple methods for receiving emergency alerts. Learn more about different types of alerting and information tools including the Emergency Alert System, Wireless Emergency Alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, Social Media & Traditional Media, 2-1-1 Hotline, Local Notification Systems: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/be-informed-and-receive-emergency-alerts.

The Massachusetts Government is working together to help prepare the state. MEMA and the Department of Public Health have developed guidance for the Commonwealth and municipalities for providing and operating shelters and conducting evacuations during COVID-19. In addition, state agencies are adding screening, sanitization, disinfection, and general public health protocols to existing mass care plans; and planning for and preparing to provide sheltering in non-congregate settings such as hotels. This planning is all on top of regular hurricane season planning and outreach efforts with local, state, federal, and non-governmental partners.

More information about hurricane preparedness can be found on the COSTEP website, and a recording of a webinar with Matthew Belk, a Lead Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Boston, on the 2020 upcoming hurricane season is available here.

MBLC Service Update 7-8-2020

MBLC Service Update
July 8, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

Re-opening Phase 3
Contact: Rob Favini
Maura Deedy

Phase 3 Step 1 of the state’s reopening guidance began Monday July 6, 2020. What does this mean for libraries? On the “When Can My Business Reopen” page, under libraries, the addition of “Phase 3 open for browsing.”  The safety standards for libraries were updated on July 6, 2020.

MBLC and MLS staff will be seeking additional clarification, specifically around contract tracing, and will review and update our COVID-19 guidance as library specific details of Phase 3 Step 1 are made available. In the meantime we recommend keeping the following in mind as you plan your next service expansion:

  • Opening for browsing as part of Phase 3 step 1 beginning on July 6th is not a mandate or requirement, it is simply allowed if you can meet the established safety requirements.
  • Any expansion of service should be done in coordination with local municipal leaders and health departments.
  • Staff concerns are a top priority: Can staff safety be assured? Do you have enough staff to facilitate expanding building operations?
  • Adequate hygiene protocols must be in place. Welcoming outside visitors exponentially increases cleaning and disinfecting demands.
  • All necessary social distancing measures must be in place. Have directional/distancing markers and needed physical barriers been installed?

The Governor’s Phase 3 announcement signals a significant milestone as we cautiously move to resume services that are vital to our communities. The MBLC and MLS can’t emphasize enough that maintaining staff and visitor safety are key to meet this and all future milestones.

 

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.

MBLC Monthly Board Meetings
Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly business meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 by Zoom Teleconference Meeting. https://mblc.libcal.com/event/6201495

 

CARES Act Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
MBLC funds Library Summer Distance Learning
For 2020, a total of 126 received funding from the MBLC to offer the online program. Fifty-six received a Summer Software grant and when IMLS Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding became available, seventy-three more were added.
See which libraries received grants.

Performer’s Directory

Contact: Paul Kissman
Updates to the Performer’s Directory make it easy to find programs that can be delivered virtually.  (https://mblc.state.ma.us/directories/performers).  MBLC staff reached out to performers who added over 350 new programs.

 

Preservation and Disaster Recovery

Contact: Evan Knight

This Friday! Conversation on the Commons – Black Lives Matter protests and history organizations: Partner, collect, change? Description
Registration is full but you may livestream view
Hosted by Mass History Alliance the focus will be discussing and confronting racial justice issues among Massachusetts’ historical collections. For mainly historical societies, house museums, archives, etc. but libraries and library staff are welcome.

 

REGISTRATION OPEN – MBLC/MLS Virtual special collections symposium for smaller libraries
July 23, 9am-12pm
Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience, and from collections of all sizes. Co-hosted by the Massachusetts Library System. Register

 

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker

The Senate passed bond bill  S 2790 that contains funding for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). Senator Eric Lesser’s amendment to increase library construction funding to $150 million from $115 million did not pass. The bond bill now goes to Conference Committee to reconcile any difference between Senate and House funding amounts. It will then be voted on separately in the House and Senate before going to the Governor for his signature

The $115 million for the MPLCP will cover the projects on the waitlist.

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse

Baker and Blades Statewide Summer Challenge kicks off
In total, 66 libraries from across Massachusetts signed up to participate, each picking their own unique challenge for their community. Bridgewater Public Library’s goal is to get 325 people registered for summer reading, while Blackstone Public Library wants to read 300 books total. Other challenges include minutes read, hours read, and consecutive days of reading. Goals will be tracked from July 1 to August 14. Participating libraries are listed here.


State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn
ARIS is open
The Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) is open. Login information has been sent to all public library directors. Due to COVID19 related library closures, the form is not due until October 2nd, 2020. No printed forms will be accepted this year. Please see instructions for submitting the signature page on the Instructions and Tips document on the ARIS home page

MBLC Service Update 7-1-2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

MBLC FY21 Budget/State Budget to Libraries
Massachusetts begins fiscal 2021 today with a $5.25 billion interim budget. With the FY21 budget not in place, the MBLC (like all state agencies) has been given a one-twelfth budget, which basically means that the agency’s fiscal 2020 budget is divided by 12, so that the agency is operating on a month-to-month budget.

Governor Baker’s $44.6 billion fiscal 2021 budget is in its sixth month under review in the House Ways and Means Committee. Before deciding on how to proceed, Baker and legislative leaders are waiting to see how tax collections perform in the wake of the decision to push the annual tax-filing deadline forward from April 15 to July 15. They are also waiting to see when and whether Congress will pass another major stimulus bill providing additional support to individuals, businesses, and state and local governments struggling due to the pandemic’s impacts.

MBLC Monthly Board Meetings
Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly business meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 9, 2020 by Zoom Teleconference Meeting. https://mblc.libcal.com/event/6201495

Re-opening Phase 3
Contact: Rob Favini
Maura Deedy
We have heard from libraries and patrons about when libraries will be allowed to resume in-library services. We have reached out to Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito’s office with our recommendations for allowing libraries to reopen their spaces to the public. These recommendations included occupancy guidelines for library browsing and computer use. We typically don’t find out ahead of the release of recommendations so we will be monitoring media and other outlets this week and hope they will be included soon.

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.

Libraries and Contact Tracing
Librarians have been concerned with some of the sector specific guidelines that required keeping a log of visitors for contact tracing, such as office spaces. Directors and library staff have reached out to Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for clarification. MBLC staff communicated these concerns to the Department of Public Health (DPH) and communicated with Privacy Officers about concerns that visitor logs would be a violation of MGL Chapter 78 Section 7 which states “the part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record”.
More from this blog by Maura Deedy

Handling Patron’s Legal Questions During the Pandemic
Social Law Libraries and the MBLC
Contact: Paul Kissman Kate Butler

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Social Law Library will host a legal reference update webinar on July 7th at 3pm. Register
Just as COVID-19 has change the way that libraries deliver services, it has also affected the Massachusetts Court System and the legal support network for Massachusetts residents.  This webinar will bring you up to date on how to help your patrons find answers to their legal questions when walk-in service to the trial court law libraries and court service centers may be limited.
Though the webinar is primarily aimed at public libraries, all types of libraries are welcome. Register

Preservation and Disaster Recovery

Contact: Evan Knight

REGISTRATION OPEN – MBLC/MLS Virtual special collections symposium for smaller libraries
July 23, 9am-12pm

Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience, and from collections of all sizes. Co-hosted by the Massachusetts Library System. Register

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker

The Senate will take up the Construction Bond Bill (now S 2790) this Thursday, July 2. Library Caucus co-chair Senator Eric Lesser has filed amendment #43 on the IT Bond bill to increase library construction funding to $150 million. At $150 million, the construction bond will fund the remaining seventeen libraries on the waitlist and allow the MBLC to begin preparing for the next planning and design and construction grant rounds. Currently, there are 40 plus libraries interested in applying for construction funding in the next round.

History of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program
This episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction delves into the history of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, which has been in existence since 1987. Founding Library Building Specialist, Patience Jackson, and former Library Building Specialist, Rosemary Waltos, join MBLC Construction Specialists Lauren Stara and Andrea Bunker to discuss both the impetus and evolution of our unique and robust program.
Listen to podcast

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
Rachel Masse

Summer
Social media graphics for summer
Summer fairy tale coloring masks—easy print

Database promo
Wellness
DIY
Dogs
Kids Science
Healthy Aging


SACL Openings (State Advisory Council on Libraries)
Contact: Rob Favini
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is currently accepting applications to serve on the State Advisory Council on Libraries (SACL). SACL is an advisory group appointed by the Board to involve libraries and library users throughout the Commonwealth in MBLC decisions regarding implementation of LSTA direct grants. As part of this responsibility, SACL members annually review and evaluate grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Library Commissioners. In addition SACL members are sometimes called on to provide feedback on policy and program initiatives beyond LSTA grants.
SACL members serve three year terms and meet twice a year at the MBLC offices, located near Boston’s North Station. Note: for the duration of the current COVID-19 response all SACL meetings are held by video conference.
SACL consists of 16 members with representation from public, academic, school, special, and institution libraries, as well as libraries serving the blind/visually impaired and physically disabled. In addition, five members of the council represent users of all types of libraries.
We are currently accepting applications to fill the following SACL vacancies:

  • 1 Public Library representative serving a population of 50K+
  • 1 Library representative serving traditionally under-represented populations
  • 3 Library users drawn from public, academic, school, special, institution libraries, or libraries serving the blind/visually impaired and physically disabled.

The MBLC values diversity and encourages applicants with diverse experiences including, but not limited to LGBTQ+, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, ethnic and religious diversity from  all geographic regions across the commonwealth.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be considered for a SACL opening please send a current resume and letter outlining qualifications how your perspective will enhance the SACL’s effectiveness to Amy Clayton (amy.clayton@mass.gov). Deadline for application submission is July 31, 2020.

State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn

ARIS Workshops
Watch the recorded ARIS Workshop
On Zoom

ARIS is OPEN!
The Annual Report Information Survey (ARIS) opens today. Login information was sent to all public library directors last week. Due to COVID19 related library closures, the form is not due until October 2nd, 2020. No printed forms will be accepted this year. Please see instructions for submitting the signature page on the Instructions and Tips document on the ARIS home page

MBLC Service Update 6-24-2020

MBLC Service Update                                                                              
June 24, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.

 

Social Law Libraries and the MBLC

Contact: Paul Kissman

Kate Butler

 

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Social Law Library will host a legal reference update webinar on July 7th at 3pm.

Just as COVID-19 has change the way that libraries deliver services, it has also affected the Massachusetts Court System and the legal support network for Massachusetts residents.  This webinar will bring you up to date on how to help your patrons find answers to their legal questions when walk-in service to the trial court law libraries and court service centers may be limited.

Though the webinar is primarily aimed at public libraries, all types of libraries are welcome.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/508382050301455

Preservation and Disaster Recovery

Contact: Evan Knight

 

Important IMLS Research Update: Virus Undetectable on Five Highly Circulated Library Materials After Three Days

How long does the virus persist on library materials? The first round of highly anticipated research informing that question has been published by REALM Project, testing the following: (1) Hardback book cover (buckram cloth), (2) Softback book cover, (3) Plain paper pages inside a closed book, (4) Plastic book covering (biaxially oriented polyester film), (5) DVD case. “Results show that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detectable on the materials after three days of quarantine. The evaluation demonstrates that standard office temperature and relative humidity conditions typically achievable by any air-conditioned office space provide an environment that allows for the natural attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 present on these common materials after three days of quarantine.” For more information and to download the PDF report visit https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/test1-results.html. See IMLS’ Press Release on this important report: https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable-five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days.

REGISTRATION OPEN – MBLC/MLS Virtual special collections symposium for smaller libraries

July 23, 9am-12pm

Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience, and from collections of all sizes. Co-hosted by the Massachusetts Library System. Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3232501920889757710

Opening Speaker – Ken Gloss, Proprietor of Brattle Book Shop and Antiques Roadshow contributor

PANEL –Academic Special Collections perspectives

Lisa Conathan, Ph.D. – Head of Special Collections, Williams Libraries

Mike Kelly – Head, Archives & Special Collections, Amherst College

PANEL –Special Collections Management Case Studies

Cyndi Harbeson – Head of Special Collections, The Jones Library, Inc.

Sara Trotta – Librarian, Congregational Library & Archives

 

 

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker

The MBLC was notified this morning that the cap for MPLCP will remain at $20 million for FY2021. The FY2021 Capital Plan is a maintenance plan for the Commonwealth, primarily due to COVID-19 related obligations. Most lines are level-funding for the coming fiscal year.  Although, the MBLC had been seeking an increase in the cap from $20 million to $25 million, in these difficult times, the agency is grateful to Governor Baker for continuing to fund the construction program.

New Episode of “Building Literacy” Podcast

On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, two former Library Building Specialists with our program, Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos, offer their words of wisdom from a collective 50 years of experience working on library building projects through both the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program and independent consulting services. From their top three, or twelve, pieces of advice for library directors and designers to their favorite design mistakes, Patience and Roe share what they wish everyone knew before embarking on a building project. You can listen to the episode here.

 

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse

Statewide Summer Challenge
More than 65 libraries have registered for the summer challenge. Materials for the challenge will be mailed to libraries next week. You can register for the Summer Challenge here.


State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn

ARIS Workshops
Watch the ARIS Workshop (recorded last week)
On Zoom
On ARIS page|MBLC website
Remaining ARIS(Annual Report Information Survey) workshops are listed below.  Sessions are via Zoom and will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration is through the MBLC Calendar

Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary, but they will not be earlier than stated above.

MBLC Update 6-18-2020

MBLC Service Update                                                                             
June 18, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.

CARES ACT Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
The application for Virtual Programming for Distance Learning is due Friday
This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using CARES Act funding. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs.   Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid. These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant. Libraries may apply for funding between $1000-$3500. We anticipate notifying libraries of their award status in early July. Funds must be spent by September 30, 2021.

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker

The MBLC was notified this morning that the cap for MPLCP will remain at $20 million for FY2021. The FY2021 Capital Plan is a maintenance plan for the Commonwealth, primarily due to COVID-19 related obligations. Most lines are level-funding for the coming fiscal year.  Although, the MBLC had been seeking an increase in the cap from $20 million to $25 million, in these difficult times, the agency is grateful to Governor Baker for continuing to fund the construction program.

The Senate Bonding Committee reported out favorably the Infrastructure Bond Bill, which includes the funding for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Senate Bonding has referred the Bond Bill to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  The Bill includes $115 million, the same figure approved in the House. Senator Eric Lesser, the Senate Chair of the Legislative Library Caucus has agreed to file an amendment to increase library construction funding. Swift passage is expected since the Bill includes several capital projects related to COVID 19 assistance.

Given the current crisis and the economic difficulty that many communities are experiencing, the MBLC construction team is discussing how to handle grant awards in FY21.

Friends groups
Contact: Maura Deedy
Join us for our first Friends coffee talk on Monday June 22, at 11:00am. Inspired by ALA’s Friends of the Library and the Future of Booksales webinar, MBLC will host a coffee hour for Friends to discuss the webinar and the future of book sales at their library. You can still join us if you haven’t watched the webinar. We’ll recap and talk about local libraries. Bring your own beverage!
Registration is for MBLC Friends Coffee Talk is open.

LSTA/Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding not through CARES Act
Social infrastructure mini grants: As part of the follow-up to the Opioid Symposium, the MBLC awarded the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services (MCPHS), a local university that trains health science professionals,  a $1000 social infrastructure mini-grant.  The MCPHS library purchased new LGBTQ resources with the funding and created a useful lib guide to showcase these items. The goal of the guide is to provide students and faculty a starting point for learning and teaching about LGBTQIA+ cultural competencies for healthcare professionals.

Preservation and Disaster Recovery
Contact: Evan Knight
Recording available – Hurricane Risks to Southern New England Webinar
On Tuesday, June 16, Matthew Belk, Lead Forecaster from the National Weather Service (Boston area), provided fascinating insight into hurricanes and hurricane preparedness. Hosted by staff from MBLC, MLS, and COSTEP MA, a statewide network of cultural heritage and emergency management professionals. A recording is now available. here: https://vimeo.com/429703062.

REGISTRATION OPEN – Virtual special collections symposium for smaller libraries
July 23, 9am-12pm
Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience. Co-hosted by the Massachusetts Library System. Register

Opening Speaker – Ken Gloss, Proprietor of Brattle Book Shop

PANEL –Academic Special Collections perspectives

Lisa Conathan, Ph.D. – Head of Special Collections, Williams Libraries

Mike Kelly – Head, Archives & Special Collections, Amherst College

PANEL –Special Collections Management Case Studies

Cyndi Harbeson – Head of Special Collections, The Jones Library, Inc.

Sara Trotta – Librarian, Congregational Library & Archives

Statement from Digital Commonwealth Board on Black Lives Matter
The DC Board released a statement available here: https://digitalcommonwealth.wildapricot.org/BLM-Statement

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)

Bruins
We’re happy to announce that Massachusetts native, Charlie Coyle is the Bruins player who is featured on all of the summer materials. Please place your order. Items will be shipped directly to you at no cost to your library. Deadline: Monday, June 22.
Hockey will be played during the summer and the Bruins are in first place!

Statewide Summer Challenge
More than 65 libraries have registered for the summer challenge. Materials for the challenge will be mailed to libraries next week.


State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn

ARIS Workshops
Watch the ARIS Workshop (recorded last week)
On Zoom
On ARIS page|MBLC website
Remaining ARIS(Annual Report Information Survey) workshops are listed below.  Sessions are via Zoom and will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration is through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 24
June 25

Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.

MBLC Service Update 6-10-2020

 

MBLC Service Update                                                                              
June 10, 2020

Past Updates
April 1, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 22, 2020
April 29, 2020
May 6, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 27, 2020
June 3, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

State Reopening Advisory Board
Contact: Maura Deedy, Rob Favini (MBLC)
Sarah Sogigian, Terry McQuown (MLS)
Phase 2, Step 1
Governor Baker released Phase 2 Step 1 reopening guidance effective June 8, 2020. In it the state provides safety standards, recommended best practices and checklists for libraries. It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s announcement does not require libraries to open or provide specific services on specific dates. The guidance allows libraries to open and provide services if they meet the state’s safety protocols. Any decision to open should be made on a library-by-library basis in with consultation local municipal leaders. The MBLC recommends that libraries only open when they are able to ensure the safety of their staff and community served.
 
Challenges Massachusetts Libraries Face Resuming Full Services
Last week Rob Favini spoke with WGBH’s Arun Rath on the many challenges facing libraries working to reopen buildings on the way to resuming full services. You can hear the interview on the WGBH In It Together web site here: https://www.wgbh.org/news/local-news/2020/06/03/in-it-together-6-3-2020
State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.
You can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link: https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/covid-19​ . I’ll continue to update that Google sheet for the next few weeks.
CARES ACT Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
The application for Virtual Programming for Distance Learning is now open! Applications due June 19
This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using CARES Act funding. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs.  Programming for all ages should be considered. Libraries are strongly encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming. 
Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid. These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant. Libraries may apply for funding between $1000-$3500. Applications are due June 19, 2020. We anticipate notifying libraries of their award status in early July. Funds must be spent by September 30, 2021. Grant funds can only pay for costs incurred after a signed contract. We cannot reimburse for earlier expenses.
Contact Lyndsay with any questions.

BEANSTACK through CARES Act
There are currently 127 libraries benefitting from the summer software grant, originally funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services for 56 libraries, and expanded through CARES Act funds to include 71 more libraries.
 
Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker
Chair Ochsenbein  and  Director Lonergan  submitted written testimony for a hearing of the Senate Bonding, Capital Expenditures, and State Assets Committee that was held on June 4, 2020. While the House bill currently includes $115 million for the MPLCP, they asked for the full legislative agenda request of $250 million from the Senate Bonding Committee. The MBLC continues to monitor this bond bill (H4708).
Given the current crisis and the economic difficulty that many communities are experiencing, the MBLC construction team is discussing how to handle grant awards in FY21.
 
 
Ebooks and Audio Books through LEA (Library eBooks and Audiobooks)
Contact: Kate Butler
Visualization of usage from May 2019 through April 2020.

Performers Directory Enhanced to Simplify Finding Virtual Programs
Contact: Paul Kissman
MBLC has just added a new feature to the Performers Directory (https://mblc.state.ma.us/directories/performers).  You can now limit search results to programs that can be delivered virtually.   270 online program opportunities have been added or updated by the performers since we reached out to them last week encouraging them to update their offerings


Preservation and Disaster Recovery
Contact: Evan Knight

REGISTRATION OPEN! Hurricane Risks to Southern New England Webinar, June 16, 10:30am.The hurricane season for the Atlantic coast began on June 1, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted a “busy” hurricane season for 2020. As institutions continue to cope with the complexities of COVID, hurricanes remain existential risks to your collections, institutions, and communities. Join a free virtual presentation by Matthew Belk, a Lead Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Boston, Tuesday June 16th at 10:30am to learn more about hurricanes and hurricane preparedness in the Commonwealth. Hosted by staff from MBLC, MLS, and COSTEP MA, a statewide network of cultural heritage and emergency management professionals. https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5731831488799787023.
SAVE THE DATE: Special collections symposium for smaller libraries, July 23, 9am-12pm.Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience. Registration information and additional symposium information coming next week.
 
Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)
Bruins
We’re happy to announce that Massachusetts native, Charlie Coyle is the Bruins player who is featured on all of the summer materials. Please place your order. Items will be shipped directly to you at no cost to your library.
Hockey will be played during the summer and the Bruins are in first place!
Promotion
Ads promoting digital resources like Library Ebooks and Audiobooks (LEA) will continue to run through June.


State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn
ARIS Workshops
State Aid will be hosting eight ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) workshops online in June via Zoom. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration will be through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 11
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 24
June 25
Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.

 

Contact Tracing and Libraries

By Maura Deedy, Library Advisory Specialist at the MBLC

This post is intended to educate the library community, and is not and should not be interpreted as legal advice. We recommend specific questions should be addressed with a local Board of Health or local legal counsel.

Librarians have been concerned with some of the sector specific guidelines that required keeping a log of visitors for contact tracing, such as office spaces. Directors and library staff have reached out to Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for clarification. MBLC staff communicated these concerns to the Department of Public Health (DPH) and communicated with Privacy Officers about concerns that visitor logs would be a violation of MGL Chapter 78 Section 7 which states “the part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record”.

The Governor’s specific guidance for libraries that was released on June 8 does not include keeping a log of visitors. MBLC does not recommend keeping such a log. We do not see a role for keeping this kind of information according to the state’s current contact tracing strategy.

Give current library operations, which most are curbside or circulation desk pick up, or appointment based services the amount of interaction between library staff and patrons should be very limited and very short. Future phases may include limited browsing or access to technology, which may increase the amount of time people are interacting but may not be sustained close contact.

That said, we wanted to share with the library community our understanding of contract tracing:

When a person tests positive for COVID-19, DPH will contact the local board of health (LBOH) where the person lives. The LBOH reaches out to the positive resident to learn who they have been in contact with. The contact tracers will ask for a list of all the people the covid-19 positive person has been within six feet of during the two days before they had symptoms or close contact as defined by the CDC. If the person does not have symptoms, the contact tracers will ask about the activity during the two days prior to diagnosis.  The contact tracers will ask for the phone numbers of those people, and follow up with them. The name of the person who tested positive is kept private, as part of HIPAA laws.

Source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-the-community-tracing-collaborative

Close Contact Definition: “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated” according to the CDC. Source.

July 7, 2020 Update:
Sector specific guidance that was released on July 6 for libraries included this mandatory safety standard: “Maintain a log of workers and patrons to support contact tracing (name, date, time, contact information) if needed”.

We will continue to communicate our concerns to the Department of Public Health and the Reopening Advisory Board that contact tracing in libraries violates patron privacy laws. We do not see a role for this information. While contract tracing is essential for public health, we have concerns that the library community was not consulted on the inclusion of this mandate nor was our recommendation that it not be included heeded.
We will update this blog post as needed.

Librarians Donate Books for Inmates

By Shelley Quezada, Consultant to the Unserved at the MBLC

Two weeks ago Lisa Castoldi of Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center (SBCC), the maximum security facility in Shirley, reached out to request help in securing book donations for inmates there. Inmates have been in lockdown since March with no access to the institution’s library and no books in their cells. Coordinating with Nancy Hughes, librarian at MCI Cedar Junction in Walpole, we were able to pick up donated books from nineteen libraries across the state. Last Friday Lisa and I delivered approximately 400+ books to SBCC. They filled a whole pallet and spilled over onto another one!

Librarians were very generous but some locations such as West Tisbury and Williamstown were too far away for an easy pick up.  Because of this, those libraries were encouraged to reach out to their local jail. Several have already connected such as the Plymouth Public Library with the Plymouth County jail and the Williamstown Library with the Berkshire County House of Correction. Most jails which are part of the county system do not have a librarian on staff and their libraries are often a room with a shelf of books.  However, donations are usually welcomed.

Moving forward, I am reaching out to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to help individual libraries make a connection with a local homeless or family shelter in their community. Donations would be greatly appreciated there as well.

MBLC Service Update 6-3-2020

MBLC Service Update                                                                              
June 3, 2020

Past Updates
April 1, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 22, 2020
April 29, 2020
May 6, 2020
May 13, 2020
May 27, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

State Reopening Advisory Board
Contact: Maura Deedy, Rob Favini (MBLC)
Sarah Sogigian, Terry McQuown (MLS)
The MBLC and MLS worked together to develop guidance to assist libraries as they begin the process of re-opening. The guidance was based on listening sessions that were held in coordination with the nine automated library networks.
Library-specific Re-opening guidance and tools
Baker-Polito Administration’s Reopening Massachusetts Report

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.
You can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link: https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/covid-19​ . I’ll continue to update that Google sheet for the next few weeks.

CARES ACT Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
The application for Virtual Programming for Distance Learning is now open!
This grant opportunity is one way the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is using CARES Act funding. Libraries may use Virtual Programming for Distance Learning grants to support increased public access to library virtual programs.  Programming for all ages should be considered. Libraries are strongly encouraged to work with local museums and local cultural institutions to enhance virtual programming.
Any library that is a member of MLS can apply. Public libraries must be certified in state aid. These are the only eligibility requirements for this grant. Libraries may apply for funding between $1000-$3500. Applications are due June 19, 2020. We anticipate notifying libraries of their award status in early July. Funds must be spent by September 30, 2021. Grant funds can only pay for costs incurred after a signed contract. We cannot reimburse for earlier expenses.
Contact Lyndsay with any questions.

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker
Monthly Reporting: on Monday, March 16, the MBLC suspended the requirement for monthly reports to be submitted for construction projects. As the Commonwealth reopens and construction restarts, we will resume the monthly reporting requirement with the May report, which is due on June 30. At that time, we would like you to submit the February, March and April reports as well.
If you have been submitting monthly reports as usual, thank you! If not, please work with your OPMs to resume this effort. As always, contact Lauren or Andrea with any questions, concerns, or for assistance.

New Episodes of the Construction Podcast are coming soon!
Current Episodes:
Sustainability and Building Performance: An Interview with Building Evolution Corporation
Designing for Sustainability: An Interview with Finegold Alexander Architects

Ebooks and Audio Books through LEA (Library eBooks and Audiobooks)
Contact: Kate Butler
Visualization of usage from May 2019 through April 2020.

Performers Directory Enhanced to Simplify Finding Virtual Programs
Contact: Paul Kissman
MBLC has just added a new feature to the Performers Directory (https://mblc.state.ma.us/directories/performers).  You can now limit search results to programs that can be delivered virtually.   270 online program opportunities have been added or updated by the performers since we reached out to them last week encouraging them to update their offerings


Preservation and Disaster Recovery
Contact: Evan Knight
How to Sanitize Collections    American Libraries Magazine (Evan is featured again!).

Save the Date for two exciting virtual events for Massachusetts Libraries and Library Workers:
National Weather Service speaker on Hurricane Preparedness, June 16, 10:30aMBLC and COSTEP MA partners are hosting a speaker from the National Weather Service’s Boston area office to speak on hurricane preparedness on Tuesday, June 16th at 10.30am. The session covers the hazards posed by tropical storms and hurricanes in southern New England, and should enable attendees from the library, archive, and museum communities to evaluate the threats to their individual facilities, and begin the process of constructing a mitigation plan. Registration information coming soon.

Special collections symposium for smaller libraries, July 23, 9a-12p
Local public memory collections provide important, unique, and sustainable opportunities to interpret a community’s contemporary experiences as they change over time. Yet there are many challenges in building, preserving, and sharing these collections, especially among smaller libraries. Renowned experts in the book trade, academic libraries, and library special collections will convene for a morning symposium of sharing and dialogue about these topics, tailored specifically for library workers, librarians, archivists, and collections volunteers with various levels of experience. Registration information and additional symposium information coming soon.

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)

Video Library (for kids and teens)
First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker has posted s fun story-time video on the site.
Updates have been made to the video library. Users can now sort by library as well as topic of interest
Video site
Upload your video directly or email it to Celeste

Promotion
Ads promoting digital resources through libraries.state.ma.us will continue to run through June.
CSLP posters are at the printers and should be to your library in the next week
Materials for the First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Reading Challenge will be sent to the printer this week; libraries should have them by mid-June.
It’s not too late to Register and order materials for the summer challenge

Bruins
We are excited to announce that orders for Boston Bruins materials for the summer are now open! The NHL has announced that hockey will be returning and games will be played over the summer, so for the first time, summer reading will take place during the hockey season, and the Bruins are currently in first place.

In addition, this year’s player is Weymouth native Charlie Coyle. We are so excited to have a player who grew up in Massachusetts on the posters this year!

You can see the Bruins materials here: https://awarehouse.mblc.state.ma.us/collateral/programs/summer-reading/

You can order the materials here: https://mblc.libwizard.com/id/9a9d1a8d8450c8d79c5e1c9cef0e9bb9

We received over 50 applications for visits from Bruins Mascots Blades. While visits will not happen this summer, new Bruins prizes will be awarded as part of the First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Reading Challenge. Winners of the first round of prizes have already been drawn. We draw these prizes at the beginning of the summer and notify the winners so that libraries can use the prize as part of their promotion for summer reading. Full list of prize winners.

State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn

ARIS Workshops
State Aid will be hosting eight ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) workshops online in June via Zoom. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration will be through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 3
June 10
June 11
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 24
June 25

Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.

MBLC Service Update 5-27-2020

MBLC Service Update                                                                              
May 27, 2020

Past Updates
April 1, 2020
April 8, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 22, 2020
April 29, 2020
May 6, 2020
May 13, 2020

As we work together to get through the current reality, the MBLC will provide regular updates on MBLC services and other statewide issues.  Please let us know if there’s info you’d like us to cover—we’ll include it if we are able. Stay well.

Library Re-opening
Contact: Maura Deedy, Rob Favini (MBLC)
Sarah Sogigian, Terry McQuown (MLS)
The MBLC and MLS worked together to develop guidance to assist libraries as they begin the process of re-opening. The guidance was based on listening sessions that were held in coordination with the nine automated library networks.
Library-specific Re-opening guidance and tools
Baker-Polito Administration’s Reopening Massachusetts Report

State Aid- Reopening survey
Contact: Liz Babbitt
In light of the Governor’s phased re-opening plan, please update the COVID19 reopening survey via the  new LibWizard form This will be shared with the library community in a Google spreadsheet titled “COVID19: Re-opening Public Libraries Survey”.
We understand that COVID19 will continue to be a serious threat to public health and that your plans may change as the situation evolves so we will NOT be creating a version of this survey for the public UNTIL libraries have started opening.
You can still update the original COVID19 Closure form via this LibWizard link: https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/covid-19​ . I’ll continue to update that Google sheet for the next few weeks.

Library Re-opening News
Public Libraries Begin Reopening In Massachusetts With Curbside Pickup   CBS Boston

Libraries full of reservations over opening ‘much too soon’ under Baker’s plan  Boston Herald

Is it safe to go back to my libray?    Boston Magazine

Area libraries outline gradual reopening amid pandemic  Worcester Telegram and Gazette

MBLC Monthly Board Meetings
Contact: Rachel Masse
The regular monthly business meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 4, 2020 by Zoom Videoconference Meeting. https://mblc.libcal.com/event/6201492

CARES ACT Grants
Contact: Lyndsay Forbes
Celeste Bruno
The MBLC is happy to announce the CARES ACT grants for online reading software (Beanstack), virtual programming, and mental health.  The grants were developed in collaboration with Christi Farrar and April Mazza from MLS and were based heavily on the needs expressed during their weekly virtual check-ins with hundreds of librarians.
Here’s all the info.
Please note: The deadline to apply for Beanstack grants is May 29 so that the MBLC can turn contracts around as fast as possible (thank you Maryellen at the MBLC) and libraries can have the software in time for summer programs.

Contracts/Business Office
Contact: Tracey Dimant
The Business Office has continued to communicate with Administration and Finance​, House Ways and Means, and Senate Ways and Means staff regarding any updated information on the FY2021 budget as well as the Construction Bond Bill; processed contract for the Beanstack Summer Reading grants, renewed contracts for vendors providing services that support the Commonwealth Catalog (Fenway Libraries Online), communications and marketing (Buyer Advertising Inc.), and MBLC’s web and database server support (Beacon Technologies). Continued to process funding requests from affiliates and invoices from vendors, as well as handling daily operations.

Construction-The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP)
Contact:  Lauren Stara
Andrea Bunker
Bond Bill News
The IT Bond bill (which contains the funding for the Massachusetts Construction Program) passed through House on May 20. House leadership worked a Consolidated Amendment to handle the 189 or so amendments that had been filed. Leadership also approved bonding for the library construction of $115million, not the $150million as sought in the amendment put forth by Rep. Higgins and Rep Murray. The bill now needs approval from the Senate.
MBLC construction consultants estimate that $115 million will be enough to get through the construction waitlist. The MBLC is exploring whether the bond amount for the construction program can be increased to $150 million for the Senate vote. This would allow the MBLC to start a new grant cycle.

PJ Drive
Contact: Rachel Masse
Matt Perry
Tomorrow, Cradles to Crayons is heading to the warehouses to pick up the PJs that have been there since March.
As a reminder, if you still have PJs please do not put them into delivery yet. If possible donate them locally.  If you can’t donate locally, please hold them for 2 weeks after delivery opens up again. If you have questions about which warehouse you should send your pajamas to please contact Rachel. Contact her as well with estimates of your totals. Thanks!

Promotion/Summer Library Program
Contact: Celeste Bruno
Matthew Perry
               Rachel Masse (summer and the Bruins)
New! Share your story—two ways to share:
From the Heart
Even during the pandemic, Massachusetts libraries are finding creative ways to step up and support their communities and residents. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) invite libraries to share their “From the Heart” stories here.  They will be visible on the public From the Heart website and MBLC and MLS will share them broadly

Library Idea Share
Serving your community in the current environment can be challenging! Let us know what you’re doing and how it’s going; what’s worked well and not-so-well.  Email Kelly Jo Woodside and we’ll share it here. Your stories and tips will help your colleagues across the state as we all move through the phases of re-opening.

Summer Posters and Bruins materials
Your CSLP orders are at the printers, we estimate that you should receive them in 2 weeks.
Ordering for Bruins posters and materials will open first week of June. Look for an email from Matt.
Bruins Prize winners for Summer 2020
see the list

The First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Reading Challenge provides an opportunity for libraries that have had to cancel summer plans to be a part of a statewide initiative. The library community sets a goal and once it’s reached they are entered into a drawing to win even more Bruins prizes to be awarded late in the summer. Register and order materials

State Aid To Public Libraries
Contact: Liz. Babbit
Uechi Ng
Mary Rose Quinn
ARIS Workshops
State Aid will be hosting eight ARIS (Annual Report Information Survey) workshops online in June via Zoom. All sessions will take place from 10:00 am -12:30 pm. We’ve added half an hour to each session to allow for additional questions you may have. Registration will be through the MBLC Calendar
The dates are:
June 3
June 10
June 11
June 16
June 17
June 18
June 24
June 25

Reporting Deadlines for FY2021:
ARIS will open as usual on July 1st but the deadline will be extended until October 2nd to allow libraries and networks more time to gather statistics. The Financial Report and State Aid Compliance Application will open August 7th as scheduled and also close on October 2nd. Municipalities applying for a waiver of the FY2021 MAR will have until November 6th to complete additional paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: All dates are based on current information we have about COVID19 and the Governor’s State of Emergency. We will reassess deadlines if necessary but they will not be earlier than stated above.