FY2021 Budget Finalized
January 06, 2021
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate overrode Governor Charlie Baker’s budget vetoes finalizing the FY2021 budget for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and restoring funding to the MBLC budget lines to the highest level in nearly two decades.
State Aid to Public Libraries (7000-9501) is the focus of the FY2021 MBLC Legislative Agenda and received $12,000,000 in funding. State Aid to Public Libraries is an annual, voluntary program administered by the MBLC that distributes local aid to municipalities. The funds received through State Aid can be used for any purpose that supports the library.
Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506) received an increased amount of $4,386,770. The additional funds to this line provided in FY2020 allowed the MBLC to increase support for libraries’ eBook collections, and to increase the number of databases available statewide.
State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), received $12,516,000. This line funds two organizations, the Massachusetts Library System (MLS) and the Library for the Commonwealth (LFC) at Boston Public Library. Sustainable funding for this line helps to maintain delivery service levels for residents of the Commonwealth.
The Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and the Perkins Library (7000-9406) both received $482,246 and $2,745,774 respectively.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book received $225,000. The Center operates as an affiliate of the Library of Congress (LOC), and represents the Commonwealth in several high-profile national initiatives, providing links for Massachusetts libraries to the programs and resources of LOC. This is the Center’s first increase in funding since FY2016.
The budget also includes $1,579,876 for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administrative line (7000-9101).
The MBLC is now preparing its Legislative Agenda for FY2022.
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.