FY2026 State Budget and Library Legislation
July 11, 2025
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
Celeste.Bruno@mass.gov
Governor Maura Healey recently signed the $60 billion FY2026 state budget which includes $52,411,000 for libraries. The budget level funds all but two Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) budget lines: the Board of Library Commissioners Support and Outreach Services line (7000-9101) which was reduced by $21,341 and Technology and Resource Sharing line (7000-9506) which received a $3,210 increase. The full budget chart is available on the MBLC website.
State funding to the MBLC supports statewide library programs and services that reduce costs for local library operations, save municipalities money, and increase access to library materials and services for the people of the Commonwealth. The MBLC requested an increase of $414,854 in the Board of Library Commissioners Support and Outreach Services line (7000-9101). This funding is critical for agency staff and operations and was funded below FY2025 levels at $2,052,927.
State Aid for Public Libraries (7000-9501) was a also priority in the FY2026 Legislative Agenda. State Aid to Public Libraries is an annual, voluntary program that distributes local aid to municipalities. Libraries use the funding to keep the doors open, purchase materials, improve technology, and more. The MBLC requested a $2 million increase and the program was level funded at $20 million. Of the 350 municipalities with libraries, 347 are currently certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program.
For FY2026, the MBLC prioritized funding to the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB). As the Commonwealth's chartered affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book, MCB provides programs and initiatives that promote literacy and reading, including critical literacy programs in gateway communities. The MBLC requested a $130,000 increase and MCB was level funded at $420,000.
The FY2026 Legislative Agenda also included Freedom to Read legislation, S.2328& / H.3594 and legislation to address eBook pricing and licensing, S.2330 / H.3595. On July 22, 2025, these bills are tentatively scheduled to be addressed at a hearing of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
In addition to state funding, the MBLC relies on federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to provide statewide services and local library grants. Due to Executive Order 14238 which eliminates IMLS, the MBLC conducted two rounds of service cuts. In April, the grants to libraries were eliminated and in May statewide research databases were significantly reduced.
Each year the MBLC works with its affiliates, the library community, the Massachusetts Library Association, Massachusetts School Library Association, the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates, and the Central Massachusetts Library Advocates to set a legislative agenda that reflects the needs of the people and the libraries of the Commonwealth. To learn more about MBLC federal funding and state funding, visit mass.gov/mblc.
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.