Governor Signs Budget with Increases to Library Funding
August 01, 2022
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On July 28, 2022, Governor Charlie Baker signed the FY2023 budget. Included in the bill is increased funding to library line items at or above what was requested in the FY23 Legislative Agenda.
“This is good news for libraries and the residents they serve,” said Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Director James Lonergan. “The continued support of libraries from the Governor, the House, and the Senate funds much-needed services and innovations at public, school, and special libraries across the Commonwealth.”
State Aid for Public Libraries (7000-9501), the focus of the Legislative Agenda this year, received the requested $16,000,000, an increase of $3,000,000 over FY22. 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.
Library Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506) received the $4,744,293 in funding that was requested. This line helps fund the nine automated resource sharing networks across the state as well as statewide databases. This year, the MBLC and MLS added important new databases for all Massachusetts residents.
State Aid to Regional Libraries (7000-9401), received $14,516,000, a $1 million increase over FY22. This line funds the Mass. Library System (MLS) and the Library for the Commonwealth (LFC) at the Boston Public Library.
The Massachusetts Center for the Book received $400,000. 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 funding represents a $100,000 increase over last year’s budget.
The Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and the Perkins Library (7000-9406) both received $521,569 and $2,969,554 respectively. Both Perkins and Worcester provide important resources for those who are visually impaired.
The MBLC administrative line, 7000-9101, received $1,731,586. This amount is an additional $22,950 over what was requested.
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.