Libraries rebuild lives and communities
Rebuilding after the pandemic isn’t simply a matter of putting back what was once there. We’ve learned “what was there” wasn’t working for everybody. Libraries as centers of community and civic engagement will help all residents reach beyond systemic inequities and help breathe life back into shuttered communities.
Our libraries:
Are reliable and trustworthy.
Millions of people use and trust their local library, making libraries an ideal partner for sharing fact-based information--including about vaccines-- with Massachusetts residents.
Provide digital access for learning and working.
Many libraries lend laptops and WIFI hotspots and provide WIFI that goes beyond the library doors. When indoor library internet use isn’t possible, library picnic tables and parking lots often fill up—with parents working in the front seat of the car and kids in the back doing schoolwork. School library teachers utilize MBLC-funded online resources to support both in-person and virtual curricula with students and faculty.
View Massachusetts Libraries Wifi MapClose the education gap.
More than 430,000 people participated in statewide summer reading programs proven to help kids maintain academic skills in 2020. In the wake of the pandemic, school and public librarians are working to close the early literacy gap, a critical predictor of future academic success.
Offer a hand up.
Libraries are hosting resume workshops, job fairs, and offer resources to help people find jobs or transition to new careers. Small businesses and entrepreneurs can attend library programs geared to assist them. Especially in tough times, free movies, books, eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming services help people save money.
Combat isolation and loneliness.
Even when we can’t be together, libraries are bringing people together. At virtual events people are making new friends, seeing old friends and participating in library programs anywhere in the state. While curbside service and outdoor programs are keeping people connected for now, we’re looking forward to in-person services when safety permits.
| Line Item Number and Name | FY 2020 | FY 2021 | FY 2022 Legislative Agenda | FY 2022 Increase Over FY 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000-9101 Board of Library Commissioners | $1,322,130 | $1,579,876 | $1,627,272 | $47,396 |
| 7000-9401 State Aid to Regional Libraries (Massachusetts Library System & Library for the Commonwealth) |
$11,516,000 | $12,516,000 | $12,891,480 | $375,480 |
| 7000-9402 Talking Book Library (Worcester) | $468,217 | $482,264 | $496,732 | $14,468 |
| 7000-9406 Talking Book & Machine Lending (Perkins) | $2,665,800 | $2,745,774 | $2,828,147 | $82,373 |
| 7000-9501 State Aid to Public Libraries | $10,059,081 | $12,000,000 | $13,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| 7000-9506 Library Technology & Resource Sharing | $4,259,000 | $4,386,770 | $4,518,373 | $131,603 |
| 7000-9508 Mass. Center for the Book | $200,000 | $225,000 | $300,000 | $75,000 |
| Totals | $20,500,228 | $33,935,684 | $35,662,004 | $1,726,320 |