NEWS RELEASE

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) turns 135 years old this year and is celebrating 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.

The MBLC congratulates the following people on their well-deserved recognition.

Commissioner Awards 2025:

Former MBLC Chair Mary Ann Cluggish is the winner of the Elizabeth P. Sohier Award which 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 (known today as the MBLC). She was committed to expanding library services into every Massachusetts city and town.

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. The Massachusetts Trans Librarians Group, represented by Heath Umbreit and Robin Goodfellow "Puck" Malamud, are the winners of this award.
Samuel Swett Green of Worcester is considered 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.

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. Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library, is the winner of this award.
Anna Eliot Ticknor of Boston served as a commissioner from 1890 until her death in 1896. 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.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is the winner of the Henry Stedman Nourse Award which 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.

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. Massachusetts State Senator Jake Oliveira is the winner of this award.
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."

The Commissioner Awards will be held at the Massachusetts State House, Nurses Hall on November 6, 2025, at 12:30PM. The award ceremony is open to the library community, however space is limited. Please RSVP at https://mblc.libwizard.com/f/ca25