Governor Signs FY2019 Budget wih Increased Library Funding
August 10, 2018
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
Governor Charlie Baker has signed the FY2019 budget after the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate passed the Conference Committee version. Included are increases to six of the line items that go directly to funding library services and resources.
“We are pleased to see significant increases to library funding as part of this year’s budget” said Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Chair Roland Ochsenbein. “This funding will go a long way in improving services and access to information for all residents of the Commonwealth.”
The MBLC administrative line (7000-9101), State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), the Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and the Perkins Library (7000-9406) were all funded to the amount requested in the FY2019 Legislative Agenda.
Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506) was increased to $2,815,928, an increase of $718,598 over FY2018. Funding from this line supports the nine Automated Library Networks. The Networks play a vital role in critical library services such as interlibrary loan, and technology for libraries and their staffs.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book (7000-9508) was level funded at $200,000 after being excluded from the Senate’s final budget.
State Aid to Public Libraries (7000-9501) received $9,612,700 in funding, with $250,000 of earmarks to various projects. The $9,362,700 that will go to public libraries as state aid is an increase of $272,700 over FY2018.
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.