Governor Baker Approves $115 million for Library Construction
August 11, 2020
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
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).
“We are pleased that the Legislature and Governor approved this crucial funding for library construction,” said MBLC Chair Mary Ann Cluggish. “Massachusetts libraries offer cutting edge services to their communities and the MPLCP is a big reason why that is possible.”
The money allocated to the MPLCP will be used to fund the remaining library construction projects that are currently on the waitlist developed during the last construction grant round in 2017. There are currently seventeen communities remaining on the waitlist. During FY2021, the MPLCP is pausing offering new grants due to the current economic climate.
MPLCP grants provide critical funding that enables public libraries to meet the growing and rapidly changing demand for services. Statewide, attendance at public library programs has increased 49% since 2006.
The MPLCP has benefitted more than 250 towns and cities in Massachusetts since its inception in 1987. MPLCP projects are currently underway in Boston, Grafton, Greenfield, Hadley, Littleton, Marlborough, Medford, Norwell, Sharon, Sherborn, and Weymouth. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website and the Building Literacy podcast.
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.