About the MBLC
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is the state library agency, founded in 1890, with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate, and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.
As a state agency, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners promotes equitable access, advances innovation, and fosters resilience in libraries across the Commonwealth through funding, guidance, partnerships, and the coordination of statewide services.
Our vision for libraries in the Commonwealth is to see every library in Massachusetts as a thriving community hub, transforming lives through access to knowledge, information, and lifelong learning.
About this Website
The Massachusetts Libraries website provides the public a place to discover and learn about our free public library services. Visitors can get a library card, find library events, do research, learn how to borrow an eBook or audiobook, or which library will lend you a kayak.
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) runs this website. Though we are not a public library, we work with all 369 Massachusetts public libraries to level the playing field and make sure everyone has access to the library services they want and need.
MBLC
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Statewide Online Resources
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Grants and State Aid
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Guidance and Advisory
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Construction Support
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Summer Reading Support
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Statewide Coordination
AT YOUR LIBRARY
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Borrow books, DVDs, CDs
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Attend a class or program
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Use a computer
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Get a Wifi hotspot
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Use a Makerspace
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Ask a reference question
On December 3, 2025, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) reinstated all federal grants that had been terminated under Executive Order 14238, following a federal court ruling that permanently blocked the order as unlawful. With these 2 major developments, the MBLC will begin rebuilding its federal program and restoring critical support for libraries statewide. Read more at the link in bio.
Image: Following a federal court ruling and the reinstatement of IMLS grants, the MBLC is beginning the work of rebuilding its federal library programs to support communities statewide.
#LibraryData #LibraryStatistics #MassLibraries #FortifyingYourLibrary #LibrarySupport #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #ForOurLibraries #FundingLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries #MALibrarians #LibrariansInMA #LibraryUse #LibraryUseStatistics #LibraryUsers #LibraryFunding #IMLS #IMLSFunding #LibraryFunding
Exciting news! Blandford has been awarded a $5.4 million MBLC library construction grant to support an expanded and accessible Porter Memorial Library 🎉📚 Learn more at the link in bio.
Image: Porter Memorial Library in Blandford, photo credit Porter Memorial Library.
#LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryReno #LibraryRenovation #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #LibrariesinMA #MALibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction #PublicLibrary #MBLCLibraries #MALibraryConstruction #MALIbraryBuildings #MAPublicLibraryConstruction #BlandfordMA
Fitchburg`s Wallace Library celebrated a meaningful milestone this past week with a beam topping ceremony! Community members were invited to sign the steel beam before it was lifted into place 🏗️. It’s a moment that marks the city’s hard work, shared pride, and the next chapter of the new library rising into view 😊. The project is supported in part by an MBLC Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program Grant.
View photos from the ceremony and read more at the links in bio!
Image 1: Guests signed the steel beam before it was lifted into place during the beam topping ceremony.
Image 2: Community members look on as the ceremonial beam is raised at the Fitchburg Public Library construction site.
#LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryReno #LibraryRenovation #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #LibrariesinMA #MALibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction #PublicLibrary #MBLCLibraries #MALibraryConstruction #MALIbraryBuildings #MAPublicLibraryConstruction #FitchburgMA @fitchburg_public_library_ma
We’re all smiles looking back at the packed dedication for the new Swansea Free Public Library! The ribbon-cutting brought together community members, local supporters, and partners who helped bring this beautiful new space to life. ✂️📚
Read the press release and see more event photos at the link in bio!
Image: Community members fill the newly renovated Swansea Free Public Library as kids cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony.
#LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryReno #LibraryRenovation #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #LibrariesinMA #MALibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction #PublicLibrary #LibraryRibbonCutting #LibraryDedication #LibraryEvent
When a recession hits, the need for library services don’t slow down. They surge. The newest blog post in the Fortifying Your Library series by MBLC Library Advisory Specialist Al Hayden looks at how Massachusetts libraries rise to the challenge even when resources tighten. Explore the data and learn how to calculate the numbers for your library at the link in bio.
Image: Infographic showing recession impacts on MA libraries.
#FortifyingFriday #LibraryData #LibraryStatistics #MassLibraries #FortifyingYourLibrary #LibrarySupport #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #ForOurLibraries #FundingLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries #MALibrarians #LibrariansInMA #LibraryUse #LibraryUseStatistics #LibraryUsers #LibraryFunding
A little #ThrowbackThursday to the 2025 Commissioner Awards celebrating the MBLC`s 135th Anniversary! It was an event filled with joy, connection, and #Massachusetts library love💛
📸 See more moments from the State House at the link in bio!
Image 1: MBLC Commissioners gathered for a special photo celebrating the MBLC’s 135th anniversary. Commissioners left to right - Kemarah Sika, Kate Chang, Karen Traub, George Comeau, Chari Vicky Biancolo, Vice Chair Tim Cherubini, Debby Conrad, Joyce Linehan and Jessica Vilas Novas.
Image 2: Senator Julian Cyr speaking at this year’s Commissioner Awards, with Senator Jake Oliveira beside him.
Image 3: A happy moment with Samuel Swett Green 2025 Commissioner Award Winners from the MA Trans Librarians Group with MBLC Director Maureen Amyot.
Image 4: Perkins Library Exec. Director Kim Charlson delivers meaningful message during her acceptance speech from the podium at the 2025 Commissioner Awards.
Image 5: Elizabeth P. Sohier Commissioner Award winner Mary Ann Cluggish with family.
#MassLibraries #MBLC135 #LibraryCommunity #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #ForOurLibraries #FundingLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries #MALibrarians #LibrariansInMA #LibrarySupport #LibraryLegislation #LibraryLaws #LibraryBills #MBLCLibraries #MassLibrarians #MassachusettsLibrarians #MassTransLibrariansGroup @perkinslibraryofficial
This #November and #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth we`re celebrating Indigenous stories, perspectives, and the enduring knowledge of Native communities with the MA250 reading list American Indian Sovereignty and Civil Rights, which features powerful works by Native authors and historians 📚
Browse the list at the link in bio!
#NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #MA250 #ReadNative #MassachusettsReads #ReadingTheRevolution #MAWriters #MAAuthors #MAThinkers #MABooklists #MassachusettsAuthors #MassachusettsBookList #MA250BookList #ReadingTheRevolutionBookList @masscenterforbook
Meet Janelle, a Library Director and a connector of people, stories, and possibilities. ✨
In this month’s “Careers in Libraries” video, she shares how library work isn’t just about books; it’s about lighting pathways, welcoming every voice, and building a place where community finds itself.
For more on exploring library career paths, visit the link in bio.
#MyLibraryCareers #CareersInLibraries #LibraryWork #MassachusettsLibraries #MBLCLibraries #LibrariesInMA #MAPublicLibraries #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesinMA #PublicLibrariesMassachusetts #libraryServices #InclusiveLibraryServices #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #LibraryWork #LibraryCareers #LibraryWork #LibraryCommunity #LibraryCommunities#CareersInLibraries #LibraryLife #CommunityMagic #StoriesConnectUs #MassLibraries
