Board Votes on FY2024 Legislative Agenda
September 28, 2022
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@mass.gov
MBLC Begins creating FY2024 Legislative Agenda
At its September 1, 2022, board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) discussed and voted on the FY2024 legislative agenda, which is used to request state funding that supports local libraries and statewide programs and services While all lines work together to provide the Commonwealth’s robust library system, the Board decided to focus on three line items: Library Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506), Worcester Talking Book Library (7000-9402), and Perkins Talking Book and Machine Lending Library (7000-9406).
“We have greatly appreciated the increased funding that the Governor and legislature have given libraries over the past few fiscal years,” said MBLC Chair Debby Conrad. “The focus on the talking book libraries and resource sharing is another way we are working to serve all residents and to expand digital equity.”
Representatives from each organization funded through MBLC line items had a chance to speak to commissioners about the importance of state funding for their work. Topics including cyber-security, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expanded access to technology.
Below is a chart with the requested funding:
|
Line Item Number and Name |
FY2023 Budget |
FY2024 Legislative Agenda Ask |
FY2024 Increase over FY2023 |
|
7000-9101 Board of Library Commissioners
|
$1,731,586 |
$1,904,745 |
$173,159 |
|
7000-9401 Regional Libraries Local Aid
|
$14,516,000 |
$15,967,600 |
$1,451,600 |
|
7000-9402 Talking Book Program Worcester
|
$521,569 |
$678,040 |
$156,471 |
|
7000-9406 Talking Book Program Watertown
|
$2,969,554 |
$3,860,420 |
$890,866 |
|
7000-9501 Public Libraries Local Aid
|
$16,000,000 |
$17,600,000 |
$1,600,000 |
|
7000-9506 Technology & Automated Resource - Sharing
|
$4,744,293 |
$6,167,581 |
$1,423,288 |
|
7000-9508 Center for the Book |
$400,000 |
$440,000 |
$40,000 |
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.