NEWS RELEASE

On July 16, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed the FY2022 budget. The $47.6 billion bill includes increased funding to library line items at or above what was requested in the FY22 Legislative Agenda.

“We are pleased by the increase in funding and the commitment that the legislature and governor have made to Massachusetts libraries,” said Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Director James Lonergan. “As we navigate the ‘new normal,’ libraries will continue to play an important role in the Commonwealth as centers for information and community.”

State Aid for Public Libraries (7000-9501) was the focus of the Legislative Agenda this year and received the requested $13,000,000, an increase of $1,000,000 over FY21. 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. This year, a record number of libraries were certified in the State Aid program.

Library Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506) received the $4,518,373 in funding that was requested. This line helps fund the nine automated resource sharing networks across the state as well as statewide databases. The networks have worked to provide important services for libraries in response to the pandemic. Read the stories about these efforts on the FY22 Affiliate Sheets.

State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), received $13,516,000 which is $624,520 more than the amount requested. This line funds the Mass. Library System (MLS) and the Library for the Commonwealth (LFC) which have both seen an increase in usage during the pandemic. LFC has had an 80% increase in eCard sign ups from Massachusetts residents, and MLS has had a 326% increase in attendance at their live virtual learning opportunities for librarians, including trainings and support.

The Massachusetts Center for the Book received $300,000. 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. FY21 marked the Center’s first increase in funding since FY2016.

The Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and the Perkins Library (7000-9406) both received $496,732 and $2,828,147 respectively. Both Perkins and Worcester have been able to continue providing important resources for those who are visually impaired during the pandemic.

The MBLC administrative line, 7000-9101, received $1,702,272, including two earmarks for the Fitchburg Public Library ($25,000) and the Gloucester Free Library ($50,000). Without the earmarks, the line received the $1,627,272 requested by the MBLC in the legislative agenda.