Senate Increases Library Funding in its Budget
June 06, 2019
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On May 23, 2019, the Massachusetts State Senate passed its version of the FY2020 budget. Six of the seven line items overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) received the amount requested in the FY2020 Legislative Agenda. This budget amounts to a significant increase for libraries and would help stabilize statewide resource sharing which saves money and gives residents access to 53.5 million items from libraries across the Commonwealth. Details about the budget are on the MBLC website.
The amendment to fund The Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB), line item 7000-9508, was unsuccessful and MCB did not receive any funding. MCB did receive $200,000 from the House of Representatives version of the budget.
The House and Senate versions of the budget will be reconciled in a conference committee. After the conference committee finishes their version of the budget, it will be voted on again by both chambers and sent to the Governor to either veto items, or sign into effect. FY2020 starts on July 1, 2019.
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.