Massachusetts Librarians Create Video Library
May 18, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
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 engage with their libraries in light of COVID-19 and in-person school year cancellation.
“Public libraries are one of our Commonwealth's greatest resources, and even though the library buildings may be closed, the libraries continue to be alive with wonderful programming that every family can enjoy from home” said Mrs. Baker. “I am grateful to our local libraries for creating the Online Video Library for all of us to enjoy!”
The library has videos of art projects, cooking, science experiments, sing-a-longs, and story times. Each video is made by public librarians who are continuing their work remotely to ensure that residents have access to the great programming that they have become accustomed to at their local library.
Mrs. Baker contributed to the video library by reading the story Sleepy Mr. Sloth by Paul Kennedy. You can watch the video here.
The resource is completely free and available to everyone. It has no ads, and all the content is safe for children. Videos that have been posted include Blackstone Public Library children’s librarian Tressy Collier reading the Velveteen Rabbit, a lesson on how to make gnocchi from the Winchester Public Library, and sing-a-longs with Rachel Overbeck from Stoneham Public Library.
This video library is the latest MBLC’s latest effort to increase resident access to library services during the pandemic. The MBLC recently launched “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 including research databases and access to more than 350,000 eBooks and Audiobooks. The MBLC also partnered with Burbio to create a new virtual library program calendar. The calendar lists live virtual programs that are being hosted by libraries around the state to make it easier for residents to access and attend these events.
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.