The MBLC recognizes an additional commitment to small public libraries in Massachusetts through a variety of programs and services. Small public libraries are generally recognized as public libraries in municipalities under 10,000 in population.
Small Libraries in Networks Grants
The Small Libraries in Network program helps Massachusetts public libraries in municipalities under 10,000 afford membership in an automated resource sharing network. The MBLC believes that full participation in a resource sharing network is the best way to fully serve residents and provide equal access to materials from all over the state.
LSTA grants will help a small library join a network. The network applies on behalf of your library.
Annual support through account 7000-9506 helps offset the annual costs of membership. Offsets between $1,200 and $2,700 are adjusted based on the library's budget vs. the network assessment and the municipal EQV.
Construction Projects for Small Libraries
MBLC construction consulting staff have expertise with all sizes of public libraries.
A special grant track for municipalities with populations under 2500 is available in the 2023 grant round.
MBLC Professional Collection
The MBLC library has a number of publications on small public library management.
MBLC titles are searchable through the NOBLE catalog.
Requesting Materials
- NOBLE members: Request directly through the NOBLE catalog.
- Members of other networks: Request through the Commonwealth Catalog.
- If you need help: Contact Maura Deedy, or call 1-800-952-7403 (in-state)/617-725-1860, ext. 250.
Our loan period is generally one month. We are happy to extend this loan period unless we have a reserve list for a particular book.