State Aid, MLS, BPL big winners in State Budget
August 12, 2024
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
6177251860
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
Governor Maura Healey recently signed the $57.78 billion state budget with increases of more than 13% for State Aid to Public Libraries (line 7000-9501) and State Aid to Regional Libraries (line 7000-9401) which funds the Massachusetts Library System and the Library for the Commonwealth at Boston Public Library. Both increases were well above the amounts the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) requested in its FY2025 legislative agenda.The Talking Book Libraries at Watertown (Perkins) and Worcester both were funded at the amounts requested in the legislative agenda.
"Governor Healey and our legislature recognize that funding libraries is investing in the people of the Commonwealth," said MBLC Chair Vicky Biancolo. "Before kids enter school, they're at the library where librarians help them learn to read. For learners of all ages, libraries support their journeys of growth and self-improvement. Whether they want to learn a language, a new technology, get an eBook, or just connect with their communities, this funding will help libraries provide the services that matter to every resident."
Two budget lines were not funded at the amounts requested in the legislative agenda. Technology and Resource Sharing (line 7000-9506), which received a 30% increase in FY2024, was funded slightly below the requested amount. After receiving a $20,000 increase for FY2024, FY2025 funding to the Massachusetts Center for the Book remained level at $420,000, despite it being a priority in the legislative agenda. Full budget details are listed below.
| Item No. | Item Name | FY2024 Budget | FY2025 Legislative Agenda Request |
FY2025 Governor's Proposal | FY2025 House Budget | FY2025 Senate Budget | Compromise Committee | Governor Signed FY2025 Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000-9101 | Board of Library Commissioners | $1,904,745 | $2,095,220 | $2,021,446 | $2,074,268 | $2,074,268 | $2,074,268 | $2,074,268 |
| 7000-9401 | State Aid to Regional Libraries | $16,717,600 | $17,553,480 | $16,717,600 | $16,817,600 | $19,000,000 | $19,000,000 | $19,000,000 |
| 7000-9402 | Talking Book Library (Worcester) | $678,040 | $711,942 | $678,040 | $711,942 | $678,040 | $711,942 | $711,942 |
| 7000-9406 | Talking Book & Machine Lending (Perkins) | $3,860,420 | $4,053,441 | $3,860,420 | $4,053,441 | $3,860,420 | $4,053,441 | $4,053,441 |
| 7000-9501 | State Aid to Public Libraries | $17,600,000 | $20,000,000 | $17,600,000 | $17,625,000 | $20,000,000 | $20,000,000 | $20,000,000 |
| 7000-9506 | Library Technology & Resource Sharing | $6,167,581 | $6,475,960 | $6,169,480 | $6,475,960 | $6,169,480 | $6,169,480 | $6,169,480 |
| 7000-9508 | Center for the Book | $420,000 | $500,000 | $420,000 | $420,000 | $420,000 | $420,000 | $420,000 |
| TOTAL: | $47,384,386 | $51,390,043 | $47,466,986 | $48,053,211 | $52,202,208 | $52,429,131 | $52,429,131 | |
Legislation
During the FY2025 legislative season, the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) worked closely with the legislature on two library bills. The eBook Bill, H.4802 An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections, was recently revised. The new version creates a commission to continue reviewing eBook practices towards libraries and provides MLA with a seat on the commission. Representative Ruth Balser, the original bill sponsor, supports the new version of the bill.
At the beginning of July, the various bills concerning Freedom to Read legislation, were consolidated to form S.2839, An Act to ensure access to library resources and services. The bill remains in Ways and Means.
FY2026
The MBLC has held preliminary discussions for the FY2026 legislative agenda. At its September 5, 2024 board meeting, commissioners have scheduled time to receive input from the library community. This input along with MLA collaboration and feedback from other library organizations will help form the priorities for the FY2026 legislative agenda.
More information about library funding, including historic funding, is available on the MBLC website.
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.