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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.

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MBLC

  • Statewide Online Resources
  • Grants and State Aid
  • Guidance and Advisory
  • Construction Support
  • Summer Reading Support
  • Statewide Coordination

AT YOUR LIBRARY

  • Borrow books, DVDs, CDs
  • Attend a class or program
  • Use a computer
  • Get a Wifi hotspot
  • Use a Makerspace
  • Ask a reference question
Learn more about Massachusetts Libraries

Spread the word! 📣The Massachusetts Friends of Libraries (MFOL) is hosting an exciting event for all library Friends groups, "MFOL Fall Friends Sharing with Friends", on *Saturday, November 8 at 10AM in Worcester Public Library*! This is a wonderful opportunity for Friends groups to share ideas, resources and camaraderie. Light lunch will be provided. 👉 For more info and to RSVP by October 24th, visit the link in bio!

🔗Learn more about MFOL at the link in bio.

#MFOL #MAFriendsOfLibraries #MassFriendsOfLibraries #FriendsOfLibraries #LibraryFriendsGroups #LibraryFriends #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 18181504138339861
Spread the word! 📣The Massachusetts Friends of Libraries (MFOL) is hosting an exciting event for all library Friends groups, "MFOL Fall Friends Sharing with Friends", on *Saturday, November 8 at 10AM in Worcester Public Library*! This is a wonderful opportunity for Friends groups to share ideas, resources and camaraderie. Light lunch will be provided. 👉 For more info and to RSVP by October 24th, visit the link in bio! 🔗Learn more about MFOL at the link in bio. #MFOL #MAFriendsOfLibraries #MassFriendsOfLibraries #FriendsOfLibraries #LibraryFriendsGroups #LibraryFriends #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary

Happy #FortifyingFriday!😊 In this week`s ✨Fortifying Your Library✨ blog post by MBLC Library Advisory Specialist Al Hayden, she explores how a recession could impact library open hours, children`s services and patron questions in #MassachusettsLibraries. Read more at 🔗tinyurl.com/mblc-fyl

#FortifyingFridays #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryBlog #LibraryPolicy #LibraryPolicies #LibraryLaws #FortifyingYourLibrary

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 18099722623725040
Happy #FortifyingFriday!😊 In this week's ✨Fortifying Your Library✨ blog post by MBLC Library Advisory Specialist Al Hayden, she explores how a recession could impact library open hours, children's services and patron questions in #MassachusettsLibraries. Read more at 🔗tinyurl.com/mblc-fyl #FortifyingFridays #PublicLibrariesInMA #MassPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesOfMassachusetts #MassachusettsPublicLibrary #MassachusettsPublicLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MassPublicLibrary #LibrariesInMA #MALibraries #MALibrary #LibraryBlog #LibraryPolicy #LibraryPolicies #LibraryLaws #FortifyingYourLibrary

🎉 Congratulations, Andrea, for receiving the prestigious Manuel Carballo Governor`s Award for Excellence in Public Service! 🏆 Andrea`s unwavering commitment, passion and leadership has built stronger libraries and communities across the Commonwealth. She not only elevates standards of service but also fosters a culture of growth and compassion with everyone she works with. We celebrate her remarkable achievements and we are beyond lucky to work with Andrea at the MBLC!👏📚

🔗 Learn more about the award and Andrea at the link in bio!

#PublicServiceExcellence #LibraryInnovation #MassLibraries #MALibraries #LibrariesInMA #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesinMA #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction
#MBLCLibraries

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 17953920569878064
🎉 Congratulations, Andrea, for receiving the prestigious Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service! 🏆 Andrea's unwavering commitment, passion and leadership has built stronger libraries and communities across the Commonwealth. She not only elevates standards of service but also fosters a culture of growth and compassion with everyone she works with. We celebrate her remarkable achievements and we are beyond lucky to work with Andrea at the MBLC!👏📚 🔗 Learn more about the award and Andrea at the link in bio! #PublicServiceExcellence #LibraryInnovation #MassLibraries #MALibraries #LibrariesInMA #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #PublicLibrariesinMA #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #LibraryConstruction #LibraryBuilding #LibraryBuildingProject #LibraryBuildings #LibraryConstructionProject #SustainableLibrary #SustainableLibraries #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #libraryJoy #LibraryLove #PublicLibraryConstruction #MBLCLibraries

Jessica is a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and a former Library Director. Discover how her passion for libraries and community engagement has driven her to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in library services. Jessica illuminates the vital role libraries play in building strong, interconnected communities where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. For more on the Careers In Libraries videos, visit: https://libraries.state.ma.us/careers-in-libraries

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 18051940289301101
Jessica is a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and a former Library Director. Discover how her passion for libraries and community engagement has driven her to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in library services. Jessica illuminates the vital role libraries play in building strong, interconnected communities where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. For more on the Careers In Libraries videos, visit: https://libraries.state.ma.us/careers-in-libraries

📢Today is the last day to submit nominations for a Commissioner Award! The MBLC is celebrating 135 years of service by honoring Massachusetts librarians, public officials and/or a state legislator that have continued the legacy of our founding Commissioners with outstanding passion, innovation and commitment to serving the Commonwealth`s libraries and residents. ✨ It`s not too late to submit a nomination at the link in bio!

Image: Founding Commissioner Samuel Sweet Green, who was a pioneering American librarian and often remembered as the “Father of Library Reference” for his emphasis on personal assistance in libraries. Green championed the idea that libraries should be free, inclusive, and welcoming to all members of society.

#LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #ForOurLibraries #FundingLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries #MALibrarians #LibrariansInMA

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 18384126817131244
📢Today is the last day to submit nominations for a Commissioner Award! The MBLC is celebrating 135 years of service by honoring Massachusetts librarians, public officials and/or a state legislator that have continued the legacy of our founding Commissioners with outstanding passion, innovation and commitment to serving the Commonwealth's libraries and residents. ✨ It's not too late to submit a nomination at the link in bio! Image: Founding Commissioner Samuel Sweet Green, who was a pioneering American librarian and often remembered as the “Father of Library Reference” for his emphasis on personal assistance in libraries. Green championed the idea that libraries should be free, inclusive, and welcoming to all members of society. #LibraryService #Library #Libraries #LibraryWork #LibraryLove #MassachusettsLibraries #MAPublicLibrary #MAPublicLibraries #ForOurLibraries #FundingLibraries #SupportingLibraries #MBLCLibraries #MALibraries #MALibrarians #LibrariansInMA

✨🎥We`re delighted to share Careers in Libraries, a new video collection featuring #LibraryStaff from all over the Commonwealth. Check out this first video interview with🎬Jessica Vilas Novas, an MBLC Commissioner and former Library Director. Discover how her passion for #libraries and #CommunityEngagement has driven her to advocate for inclusivity and #DiversityInLibraryServices at the link in bio!
🤳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 #LibraryCommunities

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Open post by mblclibraries with ID 18089334946854802
✨🎥We're delighted to share Careers in Libraries, a new video collection featuring #LibraryStaff from all over the Commonwealth. Check out this first video interview with🎬Jessica Vilas Novas, an MBLC Commissioner and former Library Director. Discover how her passion for #libraries and #CommunityEngagement has driven her to advocate for inclusivity and #DiversityInLibraryServices at the link in bio! 🤳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 #LibraryCommunities