Check out how libraries are empowering members of your community.
As a first generation law student below the poverty level, BPL has been instrumental in ensuring I have the printed and online resources I need to reach new levels and establish myself to be able to give back to my local community. (A patron of the Jamaica Plain library)
I am an occupational therapist in Westborough working with teens with mental health challenges. The local libraries provide my youth with a safe, free place to exist safely. The libraries allow them “typical” childhood experiences like learning about things they like, using computers, and playing video games. (A patron of the Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Northborough libraries)
My library supports my community in so many ways. They have amazing resources for teens and the new immigrant population. I personally love the book clubs and adult summer reading program. (A patron of the Woburn library)
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.
Library Legislation
Freedom to Read
Librarians are defending our right to read as they face ongoing book challenges in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) is working with legislators to ensure access to library resources and services. The following bills have been filed:
- SD.141* (link opens in a new window) An Act regarding free expression was filed by Senators Cyr, Oliveira, and Sylvia.
- HD.625* (link opens in a new window) An Act regarding free expression was filed by Representative Moran.
*These are the same bills that were filed last year
New this year are:
- HD.2546 (link opens in a new window) An Act ensuring our freedom to read in the Commonwealth was introduced by Representative Hawkins.
- HD.2779 (link opens in a new window) An Act protecting against attempts to ban, remove, or restrict library access to materials was introduced by Representative Saunders.
EBook Pricing
Publishers often charge libraries five to six times the consumer cost 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. The Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) is working with state legislators to ensure access. The following bills have been filed:
- HD.1221 (link opens in a new window) An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by Representative Murray.
- SD.2329 (link opens in a new window) An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections by Senator Feeney.
Learn more about this important issue in the MLA eBook Overview Sheet. (link opens in a new window)
Support for School Libraries
SD.1769 (link opens in a new window) An Act relative to school library standards was filed by Senator Jacob Oliveira. It states that academic standards for school library media programs developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and endorsed for the commonwealth by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) shall be adopted to further reading proficiencies and competencies, teach information literacy, and integrate technologies across curriculum.
Learn more about the importance of Licensed School Library Teachers in the MSLA information sheet (PDF opens in a new window).
State funding through the Governor and Legislature supports statewide lending, eBooks and audiobooks, delivery, library technology, online learning and research, programming and much more.
State funding to libraries is <1% of the total state budget.
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
*Data from 2023 ARIS Report (Back To List)
| Line Item Number and Name | FY2024 | FY2025 | Proposed Increase | FY2026 Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9101 Board of Library Commissioners | $1,904,745 | $2,074,268 | $414,854 | $2,489,122 |
| 9401 Regional Libraries Local Aid | $16,717,600 | $19,000,000 | $950,000 | $19,950,000 |
| 9402 Talking Book Program Worcester | $678,040 | $711,942 | $35,597 | $747,539 |
| 9406 Talking Book Program (Perkins) Watertown | $3,860,420 | $4,053,441 | $202,672 | $4,256,113 |
| 9501 Public Libraries Local Aid | $17,600,000 | $20,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $22,000,000 |
| 9506 Technology & Resource Sharing | $6,167,581 | $6,169,480 | $308,474 | $6,477,954 |
| 9508 Center for the Book | $420,000 | $420,000 | $130,000 | $550,000 |
| Totals | $47,348,386 | $52,429,131 | $4,041,597 | $56,470,728 |