News Releases 2025
April 16, 2025 - House Ways and Means Level Funds Libraries
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee released their proposal for the FY2026 budget. Except for slight differences in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' (MBLC) agency line (7000-9101) and Technology and Resource Sharing (7000-9506), the House pr...
READ MOREApril 15, 2025 - Melrose Celebrates its New Library
On April 15, 2025, Melrose residents were joined by state and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new Melrose Public Library. “The construction of any library, no matter the size, affirms the principles and freedoms we stand on," said Commissioner Jessica Vilas Novas from the Massachus...
READ MOREApril 03, 2025 - Federal Uncertainty Causes Cuts
In the wake of President Trump's Executive Order 14238 that targeted the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the notice that the entire IMLS staff was put on administrative leave on March 31, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) announced cuts to library services and grants at its mon...
READ MOREFebruary 25, 2025 - Explore Grants Awarded to 18 Libraries [Eliminated Due to Federal Cuts]
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce 18 libraries will receive a combined $93,000 as the FY2025 recipients of Explore Grants. The MBLC uses federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding to provide Explore Grants that improve library services, collections, and progr...
READ MOREFebruary 10, 2025 - 347 Libraries Certified to Receive Local Aid
Libraries certified in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners' (MBLC) State Aid to Public Libraries Program receive local aid funding to directly support public library services. For FY2025, 347 municipalities and their libraries are certified in the program and will share $20 million in state aid funding....
READ MOREFebruary 07, 2025 - eBook Funding Increases but Access Constrained
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) recently awarded $1 million in grants to Automated Networks for purchase of eContent for the Library eBook and Audiobook program (LEA). LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 389 participating libraries across the Commonwealt...
READ MOREJanuary 09, 2025 - $1.3 Million Awarded in Planning and Design Grants
At its January Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $1.3 million in planning and design grants to thirteen libraries through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), a state-funded program that works with local communities to build, renovate, and expand pu...
READ MOREJanuary 09, 2025 - $9.8 Million Awarded so far in State Aid
At its January Board Meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) certified the remaining libraries meeting all FY2025 requirements for the State Aid to Public Libraries Program. So far, 339 libraries have been awarded $9.8 million in state funding. The awards are roughly half of the total state aid...
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For More Information & Press Inquiries
Celeste Bruno, Communications Director
617-725-1860 x208
857-488-6206 (Mobile)
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
June Thammasnong, Communications Specialist
617-725-1860 x240
857-488-7004 (Mobile)
june.thammasnong@mass.gov