NEWS RELEASE

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) turns 135 years old this year and is pleased to announce that it will once again celebrate with the Commissioner Awards honoring individuals who have carried forward the legacy of the founding Commissioners and who have made outstanding contributions to Massachusetts libraries and the residents they serve.

"Public libraries are perhaps the most American of our institutions. No matter who we are, they welcome us. No matter where we are in life's journey, they support us," said MBLC Director Maureen Amyot. "In these times of uncertainty and upheaval, our founding commissioners' ideals of equity, access, and opportunity for all endure and are enjoyed by people in public libraries every day."

On May 28, 1890 Massachusetts Governor John Q. A. Brackett signed "An Act to Promote the Establishment and Efficiency of Free Public Libraries" [Acts of 1890, chapter 347], which established the Free Public Library Commission, now known as the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). It was the first of its kind in the United States and it was a success from the start. As noted in the Commission's 1892 Annual Report, "requests for its first report and other information about its work have been made from nearly every State of the Union - even from the new State of Washington on the Pacific slope - and from various parts of Great Britain and continental Europe."

The first Free Public Library Commission worked to ensure that every city and town in Massachusetts had a public library and that library services expanded to meet the needs of every Massachusetts resident. Throughout 135 years, the MBLC has continued that mission.

Today, Massachusetts is home to a world-class library system that gives people access to 53 million items at the touch of a button, provides access to technology and helps residents learn to use it, helps local libraries meet the unique needs of their communities through grants and special programs, and digitizes historic treasures making them accessible to the people around the world. The MBLC has helped communities build and renovate hundreds of libraries and encourages the construction of environmentally responsible libraries.

The Commissioner Awards will be celebrated with a special ceremony on November 6, 2025 at the Massachusetts State House, the location of the Commission's first ever meeting. Awards will be presented in the categories below. The MBLC welcomes nominations.

The Elizabeth P. Sohier Award honors a past commissioner from the MBLC for their outstanding efforts to ensure that all residents have equal and free access to the resources available through Massachusetts public libraries.
Elizabeth P. Sohier of Boston was the driving force behind the Free Public Library Commission. She was committed to expanding library services and to getting a library in every Massachusetts city and town. During the Lawrence Textile Strike in 1912, Ms. Sohier worked with the governor to get books for the striking workers. During World War I, Ms. Sohier worked with the American Library Association to help provide library services to soldiers in camps. She was instrumental in the appointment of a state agent to help public libraries with immigrant populations and shaped numerous pieces of library legislation that were passed during her lifetime. She served as a commissioner from the agency's inception in 1890 until her death in 1926 and was secretary for all 36 years.
For this award, nominations come from Commissioners only.

The Samuel Swett Green Award honors a Massachusetts librarian who develops innovative library services and programs to meet the evolving needs of the community and residents.
Samuel Swett Green of Worcester served as a commissioner from 1890 until 1909. He worked at the Worcester Free Public Library from its creation in 1867, first serving as director and later as librarian from 1871 until 1909. Mr. Green is considered to be an innovator in the field of libraries, and the father of modern research librarians. He was part of the group that founded what became the American Library Association and served as the organization's president. While president, he gave a speech that opened with the line "The function of the library is to serve its users," which helped direct libraries across the country for years to come.
Submit a nomination for the Samuel Swett Green Award

The Anna Eliot Ticknor Award honors a Massachusetts librarian whose work has increased residents' access to the wealth of resources held at libraries across the Commonwealth.
Anna Eliot Ticknor of Boston served as a commissioner from 1890 until her death in 1896. Her father, George Ticknor, helped lay the groundwork for the founding of the Boston Public Library. She was an educator and founded the "Society to Encourage Studies at Home," which was the first correspondence school in the United States. She was an advocate for education and the role that libraries could play in educating the public.
Submit a nomination for the Anna Eliot Ticknor Award

The Henry Stedman Nourse Award honors a Massachusetts public official whose work has helped to create groundbreaking change for Massachusetts public libraries.
Henry Stedman Nourse of Lancaster was a Civil War veteran who was part of General Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864. He was a professor of ancient languages at Phillips Exeter Academy and a state legislator for the town of Lancaster. Mr. Nourse was also a descendant of Rebecca Nourse, one of the women who was hanged as a witch in Salem in 1692. He was an avid historian of Lancaster's local history and was a member of many of the Commonwealth's historical societies. He took this passion to his work with libraries, which he saw as a "treasure house of local history."
Submit a nomination for the Henry Stedman Nourse Award

The Caleb Benjamin Tillinghast Award honors a federal or state legislator whose work is guided by a deep understanding of the essential role public libraries play in the lives of all residents and in a democratic society.
Caleb Benjamin Tillinghast was the first chairman of the Commission and served as the Massachusetts State Librarian from 1879 to 1909. He was a repository of information and guidance within the State House. Representatives, senators and governors often consulted with him on different matters. A common phrase in the building during his tenure was, "Go see Tillinghast."
Submit a nomination for the Caleb Benjamin Tillinghast Award

Nominations are due by October 1 and can be submitted by anyone affiliated with a Massachusetts library or library-serving organization. For questions, please contact Celeste Bruno, Rachel Masse or June Thammasnong.