Empowered by Libraries

In uncertain times the Commonwealth’s public libraries are more important than ever. They bring people together and provide free resources and services to all. Communities in Massachusetts rely on libraries as a connection to the digital world for those without access, to bridge languages for recent arrivals, to provide a safe space for underserved populations, and to connect people to municipal and community service organizations.

Funding Priority: 7000-9101 Board of Library Commissioners (link opens in a new window)

Librarians across the Commonwealth are reckoning with fallout from an unprecedented period marked by increased service demands along with a record number of book, program, and intellectual freedom challenges. Today, libraries are often understaffed and library workers are under stress from work environments that are increasingly confrontational and sometimes dangerous.

Increased funding to 7000-9101 Board of Library Commissioners strengthens the MBLC’s support and services to our libraries. The MBLC will expand advisory services, programming, and training to ensure a welcoming, safe environment for staff and users alike.

Funding Priority 7000-9501 State Aid to Public Libraries (Local Aid) (link opens in a new window)

Public libraries use 7000-9501 Public Libraries Local Aid to keep the doors open, purchase materials, improve technology, and more (link opens in a new window).

Increased funding to 7000-9501 Public Libraries Local Aid saves local communities money and certified libraries give residents access to 53 million items from across the state (link opens in a new window).

Funding Priority 7000-9508 Massachusetts Center for the Book (link opens in a new window)

The Massachusetts Center for the Book provides critical literacy programs in gateway communities and is a powerful ally for libraries extending literacy and learning beyond traditional library audiences. Through programming and events, the Massachusetts Center for the Book impacts readers of all ages by concentrating on family literacy as well as teen and adult reader engagement.

Increased funding to 7000-9508 Massachusetts Center for the Book bridges the literacy gap and deepens literacy efforts in communities of need.

Unfinished Legislation

The Massachusetts Library Association is working with the Massachusetts Library Legislative Caucus to identify sponsors for the bills below to have them reintroduced in the upcoming legislative session.

Book Challenges

Librarians are defending our right to read as they face ongoing book challenges in Massachusetts. In the last legislative session, S.2839 (link opens in a new window) An Act to ensure access to library resources and services failed to make it to the floor for a vote. This important bill sought to protect school and public librarians by requiring the adoption of collection development and book challenge policies.

EBook Pricing

Publishers often charge libraries triple what a consumer pays for the same eBook with more restrictive licenses. These policies have severely limited libraries’ ability to purchase electronic content to meet demand. For library users with dyslexia, disabilities, and mobility challenges, eBooks and audiobooks are a necessity. H.4802 (link opens in a new window) An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections sought to lean on the Commonwealth’s strong consumer protection law to require publishers to use fair practices when doing business with libraries. This bill also did not make it to a floor vote.

Libraries are busy*:

• 58 million items borrowed
• 26 million visits
• 3 million reference questions answered
• 2 million people used library computers
• 1 million people attended library programs and classes