NEWS RELEASE

On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, Governor Maura Healey released her $56 billion proposal for the FY2025 budget with investments in education, childcare, housing and climate resiliency. Except for a slight increase to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) agency line the proposed budget level funds libraries.

“The proposed funding to libraries reflects the somewhat uncertain economic outlook. The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the legislature understand the important role libraries have in our communities, especially in educational access for all ages. We’ll work towards increased funding that sustains the essential work being done at libraries across the Commonwealth,” said James Lonergan, MBLC Director.

In its FY2025 Legislative Agenda, the MBLC prioritized three areas of funding: State Aid to Public Libraries (line 7000-9501), the Massachusetts Center for the Book (7000-9508), and the MBLC agency line (7000-9101).  Libraries certified in State Aid to Public Libraries program (7000-9501) guarantee residents’ access to more than 59 million items from across the state and libraries may use the funding in any way that supports the library. The MBLC is requesting an additional $2.4 million for this important program. The MBLC is requesting an $80,000 increase for the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) which is the Commonwealth Affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. MCB promotes books, reading, literacy and libraries. The $20,000 increase to the MBLC agency line in the Governor’s budget falls short of the $190,475 requested to support MBLC staff who provide statewide services for residents and advisory support for libraries.

FY2025 Governor’s Budget Proposal for Library Funding

The MBLC’s FY2025 Legislative Agenda also includes the Massachusetts Library Association’s (MLA) legislative initiatives for fair eBook practices and freedom to read protections. MLA is working with Representative Ruth Balser on Bill H.3239, An Act empowering library access to electronic books and digital audiobooks and is also coordinating with members of the legislature on bills that address the surge in attempts to restrict access to library materials.

The House Committee on Ways and Means will now develop its own budget to be debated by House members in April. Following passage of the House version of the budget, the Senate will vote on their version in May. A conference committee will reconcile any differences between the two versions, and the FY2025 budget will be sent to the Governor to be put into place by July 1, 2024.