Libraries Level Funded in Proposed Senate Budget
May 07, 2025
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
Yesterday the Senate Ways and Means released its proposed $61.3 billion state budget with $52,432,341 in funding to support libraries. As with both the Governor and House budgets, the Senate level funded across all budget lines for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The full Senate Ways and Means, House, and Governor’s budgets for libraries are available on the MBLC website.
In its FY2026 Legislative Agenda, the MBLC has prioritized increased funding to the MBLC agency line 7000-9101, State Aid to Public Libraries 7000-9501, and the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB) 7000-9508. Without a small increase to the MBLC agency line the MBLC, which as the first library agency in the nation has been serving the people of the Commonwealth for 135 years, will be unable to cover basic agency costs. State Aid to Public Libraries is local aid for libraries and is a critical support, especially as many local libraries struggle to receive adequate municipal funding. MCB is an important ally and resource in the efforts to increase literacy rates in children and teens across the Commonwealth.
The MBLC is working with legislators and the Massachusetts Library Association to introduce amendments to meet the funding amounts prioritized in the FY2026 Legislative Agenda by Friday of this week.
The House and Senate versions of the budget will be reconciled in a conference committee. After the conference committee finishes their version of the budget, it will be voted on again by both chambers and sent to the Governor to either veto items, or sign into effect. FY2026 starts on July 1, 2026.
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.