NEWS RELEASE

Deborah V.H. Abraham of Needham has been appointed by Governor Charles D. Baker to serve on the nine-member Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The MBLC is responsible for library services across the Commonwealth including the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, federal Library Services and Technology Act grants, regional library services, and online statewide resources.

As a former library director and active advocate for libraries, Ms. Abraham understands the vital role libraries play in communities across the Commonwealth. “I am pleased and honored to be appointed to the MBLC," said Ms. Abraham.

Having worked in libraries for over 30 years in a variety of roles, she brings a depth of experience with MBLC programs and an understanding how important state and federal funding are to the statewide services on which libraries and residents rely. As the director of a city library she understands the unique challenges that urban libraries face. “I hope my practical experience on the front lines of public libraries will be helpful to the MBLC as it works to support libraries across the state as they strive to provide access for all,” she said.

Most recently, Ms. Abraham was Director of Everett Public Libraries where she was successful in renovating and expanding the Shute Memorial Library, which celebrated its reopening in 2015. The $3,836,158 project was funded partially by a $2,236,491 grant from the MBLC which Ms. Abraham secured. The project renovated the original 1899 historic building. Without it, the historic building would have been unusable and the neighborhood would have lost its library services. It also gave an overall update to the building's infrastructure by improving energy efficiency, expanding computer access, providing a new meeting space and group study space, and facilitating access for all.

Ms. Abraham has held many library leadership roles including at the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) where she served as Treasurer and is currently on the Investment Committee where she led efforts to develop a financial plan for MLA. She has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President at the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE), one of nine library networks. She was an American Library Association (ALA) Library Fellow and worked in Calcutta, India helping the Indian Institute of Management’s B.C. Roy Library prepare for automation. She is currently an active member of the Friends of Everett Libraries as well as MLA and ALA.

Ms. Abraham graduated with an M.B.A from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. She received her MS-LIS from Simmons College, School of Library and Information Science and has an AB in Philosophy and Religion from Colby College in Waterville, Maine. She replaces Commissioner Frances R. Murphy who was appointed to the Board in 2007 by Governor Deval Patrick.