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
In 2026, America celebrates 250 years of the American Revolution. ⭐ We invite you to explore 9 different Reading the Revolution book lists, assembled in conjunction with #MassachusettsLibraries, beginning with a General booklist that highlights the stories behind the birth of our nation and the revolutionary spirit behind our ongoing journey to secure freedom for all. 🗽
🔗 Explore the general booklist at: massbook.org/ma250/general
Image: Book covers from the MA250 General reading list. Titles displayed include Rise Up!: Powerful Protests in American History by Rachel C. Katz, These Truths by Jill Lepore, Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson, Sometimes People March by Tessa Allen, On Revolution by Hannah Arendt and Rebel Girls: Youth Activism and Social Change across the Americas by Jessica K. Taft. @masscenterforbook
#MA250 #MassachusettsReads #ReadingTheRevolution #MAWriters #MAAuthors #MAThinkers #MABooklists #MassachusettsAuthors #MassachusettsBookList #MA250BookList #ReadingTheRevolutionBookList #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #MA250 #ReadNative #MassachusettsReads #ReadingTheRevolution #MAWriters #MAAuthors #MAThinkers #MABooklists #MassachusettsAuthors #MassachusettsBookList #MA250BookList #ReadingTheRevolutionBookList
From early literacy, career and personal growth, access to information and community connection- it all starts at the library. ➡️📖 State Aid funding to Public Libraries makes it possible. Take a look at the MBLC`s legislative agenda to learn about funding priorities for Massachusetts libraries that make a difference in their communities every day. 🔗 Visit mblclegislativeagenda.com or the link in bio!
Image: Arrows point from a pair of shoes, to images in different arrow shapes of a diverse group of people enjoying library services and programs. The text above reads "It all starts at the library".
#ItAllStartsAtTheLibrary #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryAdvocate #MALibraryDirector #LibraryDirectors #LibraryDirector #CareersInLibraries #LibraryFunding #FundingLibraries #LibraryCommunity
“When times are tough, libraries always show up for our communities, and the tougher times get, the harder libraries work,” Sunderland Public Library Director Katherine Umstot said.
🔗Read more from the Greenfield Recorder`s article `Libraries are not luxuries` at the link in bio!
Image: Sunderland Public Library Director Katherin Umstot speaking in front of a podium at WMLA Legislative Breakfast on Friday, January 16, 2026. Photo Credit: Madison Schofield, Greenfield Recorder.
#PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryAdvocate #MALibraryDirector #LibraryDirectors #LibraryDirector #CareersInLibraries #LibraryFunding #FundingLibraries #LibraryCommunity #LibraryLove #LibraryLegislative #LibraryLegislativeBreakfast @sunderlandpubliclibrary
Thank you, WMLA and Sunderland Public Library, for the fabulous Library Legislative Breakfast this morning! There was an incredible turnout, delicious food and wonderful live music. Thank you to the supportive legislators, library advocates and community that joined the event to share how much our libraries are valued.📚❤️
Image 1: A group photo of MA legislators and library advocates at Sunderland Public Library`s Legislative Breakfast on January 16, 2026.
Image 2: The seated audience and standing crowd at Sunderland Public Library`s well-attended Legislative Breakfast.
Image 3: A group photo with (Left to Right) Orange Public Libraries Director Jason Sullivan-Flynn, MBLC Commissioner Karen Traub, MBLC Head of Library Advisory and Government Liaison Rob Favini, unidentified library advocate, and WMLA President and South Hadley Public Library Director Joe Rodio.
#PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryAdvocate @jocomerfordma @saunders4rep @repblais @mindyforma
Tonight at TD Garden, Zdeno Chara`s iconic No. 33 will be officially retired, making him the 13th player in franchise history to receive this honor! Off the ice, Chara has championed literacy and #libraries through the “When You Read, You Score!” program as a summer reading library player, and his favorite books include the My Little Pony series. Congratulations to Chara, an all-around legend! 🎉
Image 1: Zdeno Chara`s Summer Reading Player READ poster
Image 2: Favorite Books of the Boston Bruins, featuring Chara`s picks of My Little Pony series and An Astronaut`s Guide to Life on Earth
#WhenYouReadYouScore #BruinsLegend #Chara #ZdenoChara #HockeyReading #HockeyReads #summerReading #BostonBruins #Library #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries @nhlbruins
Congratulations, Shutesbury, on the new library grand opening! 🎉 For more photos of the celebration, visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCGjq5
Image: Pictured left to right is Representative Aaron Saunders, MBLC Chair Vicky Biancolo and Senator Jo Comerford.
#LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryReno #LibraryRenovation #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #LibrariesinMA #MALibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction #PublicLibrary #MBLCLibraries #MALibraryConstruction #MALibraryBuildings #MAPublicLibraryConstruction #ShutesburyMA @jocomerfordma @saunders4rep
Meet Hermayne, a library director who is dedicated to nurturing a space where everyone belongs. Learn more about her path to working in a library and the work that she does to make the library a welcoming place for her community in her Careers in Libraries interview at the link in bio! 🎥
🔗 Explore more library career paths at → libraries.state.ma.us/careers-in-libraries
Share your own journey to working in libraries on social media using the hashtag #MyLibraryCareer and tag us @mblclibraries! Select videos will be featured on our socials 🤳
#MyLibraryCareers #CareersInLibraries #LibraryWork #MassachusettsLibraries #MBLCLibraries #LibrariesInMA #MAPublicLibraries #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesinMA #PublicLibrariesMassachusetts #libraryServices #InclusiveLibraryServices #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #LibraryWork #LibraryCareers #LibraryWork #LibraryCommunity
Join us for the first session in our Core Connections series: Welcoming Patrons Who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Late Deafened to Your Library on January 14th at 2PM! Attendees will learn about communication strategies, assistive technologies, and practical changes that make an immediate impact with the MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. For more info and to register to attend visit the link in bio!
ℹ️Each month, Core Connections will showcase the value or different strategic partnerships and meaningful allyship in library work to provide support to underserved populations. Learn more about upcoming sessions at: https://mblc.state.ma.us/programs-and-support/inclusive-services/core-connections.php
#LibraryCommunityWork #LibraryCommunityPartnerships #LibraryCommunity #LibraryPartnerships #LibraryAllyship #LIbraryPartnership #LibraryUnderservedPopulations #LibraryUnderserved #BuildingCommmunitySupport #AllyshipAtYourLibrary #MassachusettsLibraries #MassachusettsLibrary #MALibrary #MALibraries #MBLCLibraries #LibrariesInMA #MALibraryWork #LibraryCare #LibrarySupport #LibraryWork #LibraryCommunity
