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
"Libraries are the engines of social services in our communities. They`re open for more hours and provide more accessible services free of charge to residents than any other municipal service in all our cities and towns. Whether it is access to shelter for the unhoused, citizenship classes, substance use treatment options, harm reduction services, career services, social work, court services or even facilitating a library patron getting a high school diploma through the Library for the Commonwealth in Boston…libraries truly do it all."
Thank you, Senator Paul Feeney, for speaking about the importance of Massachusetts Public Libraries at yesterday’s senate session. Wherever you are in life and wherever you want to get to, it all starts at the library!
#ItAllStartsAtTheLibrary #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryAdvocate #MALibraryDirector #LibraryDirectors #LibraryDirector #CareersInLibraries #StateAidToLibraries #LibraryStateAid #StateAidLibraryFunding #LibraryFunding #LibraryFunding #FundingLibraries #LibraryCommunity @paulfeeneyma
The MBLC was proud to present Kim Charlson, Executive Director of the Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library, the 2025 Anna Eliot Ticknor Award at the MBLC’s 135th Anniversary Commissioner Awards Ceremony! Kim`s dedication to expanding access to library materials and fostering empowerment has made Massachusetts more inclusive for all. Learn more about Anna Eliot Ticknor and Kim Charlson at the MBLC Blog at tinyurl.com/ticknor-charlson
Image: Kim Charlson (left) accepting the Anna Eliot Ticknor Commissioner Award at the MA State House with her guide dog Idabelle next to MBLC Commissioner Joyce Linehan on November 6, 2025.
#135MBLC #135YearsOfTheMBLC #135YearsMBLCLibraries #MBLCLibraries #LibraryChampions #LibrarianChangeMaker #Librarian #MALibrarian #MALibrary #MassachusettsLibraries #LibraryChampion #LibraryAdvocate #LibariesForAll #LibrariesAreForEveryone #LibrarianTrailblazer #LibrariesForAll #LibraryService #LibraryWork #LibraryServiceForTheBlindAndPrintDisabled
Libraries are uniquely positioned to support aging adults with programs, spaces, and services that enhance lifelong learning, social connection, health, and independence. Join us on *February 12 at 2PM* to learn about libraries supporting aging populations. For more info and to register to attend: mblc.libcal.com/event/15526548
️️Each 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 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
Another great turnout for a legislative breakfast this morning at the Plymouth Public Library! Many thanks to the legislative breakfast organizers, the supportive legislators, and library community that attended the event this morning.📚❤️
Image 1: A photo of attendees at Plymouth Public Library`s Legislative Breakfast on January 23, 2026.
Image 2: MBLC Commissioner Debby Conrad at the podium giving remarks at the legislative breakfast.
Image 3: Senator Dylan Fernandes speaking at the Plymouth Public Library legislative breakfast.
#PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryAdvocate @dylan1fernandes
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
