News Releases 2020
December 29, 2020 - Governor Appoints Conrad to Library Commission
Debby Conrad has been appointed by Governor Charles 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 gra...
READ MORENovember 17, 2020 - Commissioners Approve Funding for eContent Purchases
At their November board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved funding for grants to Automated Networks for Library eBook and Audiobook (LEA) content. This is the second year that the grant has been awarded to support the statewide lending of eContent in Massachusetts. During the pand...
READ MORENovember 16, 2020 - New Space Planning Guide for Libraries
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce the release of Library Space: A Planning Resource for Librarians, a guide to planning new or reconfigured public library spaces. “This space planning guide will not only help plan flexible and efficient library buildings that meet a co...
READ MORENovember 16, 2020 - State Aid a Winner in Senate Budget
On November 12, 2020, the Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee released their budget proposal for FY2021. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor’s initial budget originally released in January has not yet been voted on, and the state has been operating on short-term budgets with level funding...
READ MORENovember 16, 2020 - Building Literacy: Library Construction Podcast Reaches 1000 Downloads
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner’s (MBLC) Building Literacy: Library Construction Podcast has reached over 1,000 downloads. The podcast, which started in April 2020, takes on the issues facing libraries and communities regarding library design and construction....
READ MORENovember 12, 2020 - Kids “Elect” their Favorite Books
While adults turned out in record numbers for the recent election, kids of all ages were invited to go online and cast their vote for their favorite book. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) tallied up the votes and winning the top position of #1 is Percy Jackson and the Olympians books....
READ MORENovember 10, 2020 - New MBLC Direct Grant Round Begins
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce the FY2022 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant round. The MBLC uses federal LSTA funding to provide direct grants to libraries that allow them to offer innovative services for local residents. “Libraries continue to ...
READ MORENovember 09, 2020 - House Releases Proposed FY2021 Budget
On November 5, 2020, the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee released their budget proposal for FY2021. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor’s initial budget originally released in January has not yet been voted on, and the state has been operating on short-term budgets with level fun...
READ MOREOctober 20, 2020 - Governor Baker Releases Revised Budget
On October 15, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker released his revised budget proposal for FY2021. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial budget originally released in January has not yet been voted on, and the state has been operating on a short term budget that was passed in August and ends on October 31, 2020....
READ MOREOctober 02, 2020 - Weymouth Celebrates the new Tufts Library
Donning masks and socially distancing, on September 28, 2020 residents of Weymouth gathered with local and state officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new Tufts Library. “This is a great day in what has become a difficult time for all of us and the world,” said State Representative James Murphy. W...
READ MOREOctober 08, 2020 - Residents Take Part in Summer Reading Events
Despite most library doors being closed to the public during the summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 435,000 Massachusetts residents participated in summer reading events across the state. This total was made possible by libraries adapting to the circumstances and offering online reading tracking, virtual eve...
READ MORESeptember 02, 2020 - Massachusetts Reads for 1.7 million Minutes This Summer
From July 1 to August 14, libraries from across Massachusetts challenged their residents to read as part of the first ever First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Summer Reading Challenge. Twenty participating libraries met their goals and were awarded prizes from the Boston Bruins including in game experiences and p...
READ MOREAugust 11, 2020 - Governor Baker Approves $115 million for Library Construction
On August 7, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act Financing the General Governmental Infrastructure of the Commonwealth which includes $115 million for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)....
READ MOREAugust 07, 2020 - The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners urges local officials to maintain library funding and staffing during the pandemic
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has been made aware that some cities and towns are laying off library staff and disproportionately cutting library budgets in comparison to other municipal departments....
READ MOREAugust 07, 2020 - Governor Baker Signs Short Term Spending Bill for FY2021
The Massachusetts Legislature passed the first budget of FY2021 which will fund the government until the end of October 2020. The budget includes level funding for all library line items overseen by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)....
READ MOREJuly 16, 2020 - Library Construction begins in Littleton
On July, 9 2020 state and local leaders gathered with residents to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton. “The community of Littleton is to be congratulated. This library is a legacy for generations to come,” said Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (...
READ MOREJuly 09, 2020 - MBLC Grants Support Local Library Initiatives
At its July 9, 2020 Board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $454,305 in 40 grants to public, academic, and special libraries across the Commonwealth under the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) which is funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services....
READ MOREJuly 09, 2020 - MBLC Elects Officers for FY2021
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) elected new officers to serve for FY2021 at its Board Meeting on July 9, 2020....
READ MOREJuly 08, 2020 - MBLC Funds Virtual Programming for Libraries
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $72,461 in 27 grants to public and school libraries across the Commonwealth through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that was distributed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These grants are designe...
READ MOREJuly 03, 2020 - Blades and Baker Library Challenge Kicks Off
Libraries across the Commonwealth are challenging themselves and their residents as part of the First Lady of the Commonwealth and Blades Summer Reading Challenge which is currently underway. Since summer reading is different this year and occurring mostly online, libraries are tracking their goal throughout July remot...
READ MOREJune 30, 2020 - MBLC funds Library Summer Distance Learning
During a typical summer more than 450,000 children, teens, and adults participate in summer library programs across the Commonwealth. Due to the pandemic, programming is largely virtual this summer and funding from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is helping many libraries make the switch. The MB...
READ MOREJune 18, 2020 - The MBLC Mourns the Loss of Former Chair Greg Shesko
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is mourning the loss of its former Chair Greg Shesko. “Greg’s knowledge of all facets of libraries, his kindness and his capacity to listen brought people together and benefitted the entire library community. He will be greatly missed,” said curr...
READ MOREJune 18, 2020 - Bruins Player from Massachusetts is the Face of Summer Reading
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Boston Bruins forward and East Weymouth resident Charlie Coyle is the featured player for the 2020 summer library program....
READ MOREJune 09, 2020 - The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners stands with all who condemn racism and work for racial justice
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners stands with all who condemn racism and work for racial justice. We believe that Black Lives Matter....
READ MOREMay 27, 2020 - MBLC and MLS Announce Reopening Recommendations
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) have released recommendations for libraries to begin a phased reopening of in-person services. The guidance is meant to work in tandem with the state’s reopening plan released last week by Governor Charlie Baker....
READ MOREMay 20, 2020 - Scholarships Help Small Libraries
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and Massachusetts Library System (MLS) are pleased to announce recipients of the scholarships to attend the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) annual conference in Wichita, Kansas, September 30-October 3, 2020. “Librarians from small comm...
READ MOREMay 20, 2020 - Bruins Prizes for Summer 2020
Summer Library Programs play a significant role in keeping kids and teens connected to educational resources over the summer. Research shows that reading just four books over the summer helps kids avoid summer learning loss. To encourage kids and teens to keep reading during the summer months, the Boston Bruins, in par...
READ MOREMay 18, 2020 - Massachusetts Librarians Create Video Library
First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and public librarians from across the Commonwealth are working together to create an online video library available at www.mavideolibrary.org. This collaboration is intended to help children and families continue to learn and...
READ MOREMay 12, 2020 - Library Construction Breaks Ground with new Podcast
The construction team from Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner’s (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) has come up with a new way to connect with librarians and others interested in public library construction. The “Building Literacy: Public Library Construction” pod...
READ MOREMay 01, 2020 - The First Lady and Blades Present 2020 Summer Reading Challenge
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is teaming up with the Boston Bruins and First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker for the first ever First Lady and Blades Summer Reading Challenge. Participating libraries will work with their communities towards their own goal and will be entered into a drawing...
READ MOREApril 21, 2020 - More than 300 Libraries Offering Virtual Programs
Library buildings are closed, but library services are still running. Librarians across the Commonwealth are turning to virtual community programing to ensure that residents can still participate in educational and entertaining library programs while the stay-at-home order and social distancing are in place....
READ MOREApril 06, 2020 - Due to COVID-19 State Aid library requirements relaxed
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Massachusetts and in an effort to support and protect the Commonwealth’s municipal libraries, their dedicated staff members, Trustees, and the patrons they serve and to assist them in their future recovery efforts, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners ( M...
READ MOREApril 03, 2020 - Taylor Memorial Library uses LSTA Grant to Join Automated Library Network
The Taylor Memorial Library in Hancock joined the C/W MARS Automated Network with assistance from a Library Services and Technology (LSTA) grant given by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). They are one of seven libraries that have joined C/W MARS in the last five years with grant assistance; the o...
READ MOREApril 02, 2020 - MBLC Approves Preservation Assessment Grants
At its March board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved four LSTA Preservation Assessment Grants. These grants fund an outside consultant to conduct institutional preservation assessments that include a site visit and the delivery of a written report....
READ MOREApril 02, 2020 - MBLC Creates “We’re in this Together” Digital Library
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has created the “We’re in this Together” digital library on the agency’s public portal, libraries.state.ma.us. It gives residents easy access to “free-for-now” resources as well as library resources that are always free. On the site re...
READ MOREMarch 26, 2020 - Scholarships to attend small libraries conference
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and Massachusetts Library System (MLS) are pleased to announce funding for up to six Massachusetts public librarians to attend the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) annual conference in Wichita, Kansas, September 30-October 3, 2020. The $1500 ...
READ MOREMarch 20, 2020 - MBLC Recommends Libraries Close and Cease In Person Services
Statement from MBLC Chair, Roland Ochsenbein, March 20, 2020...
READ MOREMarch 18, 2020 - COVID-19 and Massachusetts Public Libraries
Amid the growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, many Massachusetts Public Libraries have closed or have limited in-person services. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is tracking what’s happening in the library community. “It’s changing every day,” said MBLC Director James L...
READ MOREMarch 05, 2020 - MBLC Awards Grants to Help Libraries Address Opioid Crisis
Last fall, the Massachusetts library community came together at Communities in Crisis: Libraries Respond to the Opioid Epidemic, to learn from experts and from each other. “As a welcoming, safe place for all, and trusted community partner, libraries are often at the center of community issues and can be an i...
READ MOREFebruary 19, 2020 - First Lady Lauren Baker Celebrates the 13th Annual Boston Bruins PJ Drive
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker will celebrate the 13th annual Boston Bruins Pajama drive at the East Forest Park Branch of Springfield City Library on February 21, 2020 at 1:00pm. She will be joined by MBLC Commissioner Mar...
READ MOREFebruary 13, 2020 - MBLC Begins Strategic Planning Process
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has begun its strategic planning process to guide its activities as an agency for the next five years. “We are excited to be undertaking this process” said MBLC Director James Lonergan. “Our goal is to create a ‘living’ plan that prov...
READ MOREFebruary 11, 2020 - MBLC and MLS part of a national effort to transform teen library services
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is joining state library agencies from across the nation to participate in Transforming Teen Services: A Train the Trainer Approach, developed by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) to ...
READ MOREFebruary 07, 2020 - Final group certified in State Aid
At its January Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) certified the Duxbury Public Library which joined the 328 libraries meeting all FY2020 requirements for the State Aid to Public Libraries Program. So far, libraries have been awarded $4,899,035.76 in state funding. The awa...
READ MOREFebruary 06, 2020 - The Resilience of East Forest Park
On December 19, 2019 local and state officials joined neighbors and Springfield residents to celebrate the opening of the new East Forest Park Branch of the Springfield City Library. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno commended the resilience of the East Forest Park neighborhood that withstood a devastating tornado in 201...
READ MOREJanuary 27, 2020 - Governor Releases FY2021 Budget Recommendation
On January 22, 2020, Governor Baker released his budget proposal for FY2021. It includes a $233,779 increase for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administrative line (7000-9101); a 1% increase in funding for State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), State Aid to Public Libraries (7000-9501)...
READ MOREJanuary 09, 2020 - MBLC Funds Summer Learning
At its January Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved $20,000 for Summer Learning Grants. The Summer Learning Grant program, which is in its second year, aims to provide support to libraries during the busy summer months. “These grants allow libraries to take advanta...
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