MBLC Creates “We’re in this Together” Digital Library
April 02, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
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 residents can access new resources that many nonprofits, authors, companies, and others are offering to residents who are at home due to COVID-19 outbreak.
Free and open access to online resources is nothing new to Massachusetts libraries. The MBLC, in partnership with the Massachusetts Library System, offers Massachusetts residents free access to research databases with no library card needed. Residents can access more than 350,000 eBooks and Audiobooks through the new program LEA. They can also access online resources from the Boston Public Library by signing up for an eCard which allows them to stream movies, music, and TV series. Historic documents and photos are available with no library card needed through the Digital Commonwealth. This is in additional to all of the online resources that are offered by public libraries across the Commonwealth.
These resources have been supplemented by additional databases from Gale and eBooks from TumbleBooks and EBSCO. Museums around the world remain open through virtual tours, and authors and illustrators are offering story times and drawing lessons through their YouTube channel, and Public Libraries have also continued serving their patrons online. Many have begun offering their regular story times streaming live on Facebook or YouTube, others are offering free mindfulness classes, knitting classes, and virtual book clubs.
You can see all of the free available resources by going to libraries.state.ma.us/pages/free-resources. The list will continue to be updated as more free resources become available. If you would like something to be added to the website, please contact Matthew Perry at matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us.
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.