​Thank you to the entire library community for your advocacy efforts this year supporting the legislative agenda at the 16 events held around the state. 

The House Ways and Means Committee has released its FY2026 budget numbers, and all library lines have been level funded. This is below what was requested for FY26 to provide level services. Although we understand the state is anticipating a tight budget next year, we also know that when times get tough, libraries get busier. We need your voices to advocate for library funding increases. We are very thankful for state reps who have stepped up to file amendments to increase the MBLC’s budget lines.

Please contact your representatives and tell them how important it is that they vote for the following amendments.

Amendment #67 to H.4000
State Aid to Public Libraries
Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Murray of Milford move to amend the bill in section 2, in item (7000-9501) by striking out the figures “$20,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$22,000,000”.

Important because: Encourages municipal support for public libraries to maintain their certification and provides much needed funding to libraries at a local level.  

Amendment #323 to H.4000 
Board of Library Commissioners
Representatives Kerans of Danvers, Murray of Milford and Higgins of Leominster move to amend the bill in section 2, in item 7000-9101, by striking out the figures “$2,073,664” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$2,489,122”.

Important because: Strengthens the MBLC’s support and services to our libraries. With federal funding that supports some MBLC salaries at risk, increased support for this line is more critical than ever. 

Amendment #1020 to H.4000
Mass. Center for the Book
Ms. Sabadosa of Northampton moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item (7000-9508) by striking out the figures “$420,000” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$550,000”.

Important because:
Develops, supports, and promotes cultural programming that will advance the cause of books and reading and enhance the outreach potential of libraries.  Increased funding bridges the literacy gap and deepens literacy efforts in communities of need.

Amendment #134 to H.4000
Library Technology and Resource Sharing
Ms. Meschino of Hull moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item 7000-9506 by striking out the figures “$6,172,690” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$6,477,954”.
Important because: Supports cost-effective resource sharing through the Automated Resource Sharing Networks and partially funds statewide databases. 

Amendment #254 to H.4000
Perkins Talking Book Library
Mr. Owens of Watertown moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item 7000-9406, by striking out the figures “$4,053,441” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$4,256,113”.

Important because: The Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library enables people who are unable to read conventional print due to a disability to experience the joy of reading, and lifelong learning, through free accessible library services and resources.

Amendment #452 to H.4000
Regional Libraries Local Aide
Mr. Murray of Milford and Ms. Higgins of Leominster move to amend the bill in section 2, in item (7000-9401) by striking out the figures "$19,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$19,950,000".

Important because: MLS provides services to libraries and library users, including: Delivery; Digital Resource Sharing; Training & Professional Development; and Consulting. Also, the Library for the Commonwealth at the Boston Public Library provides services to all Massachusetts residents and supplement the library resources found in communities statewide

Amendment #613 to H.4000
Worcester Talking Book Library
Ms. Keefe of Worcester moves to amend the bill in section 2, in item 7000-9402, by striking out the figures “$711,942” and inserting in place thereof the figures “$747,539”.
Important because: The Worcester Talking Book Library provides free services to Massachusetts residents of any age who are unable to read traditional print materials due to a visual or physical disability.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
The House will begin debate on budget amendments on Monday, April 28. 
Now is the time to take action! Don’t know who to call or email? Find your Legislator.
Need to know more about the MBLC Legislative Agenda? Learn here.
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.

Legislative Committee Co-Chairs
Kathy Lussier, Nora Blake & Will Adamczyk
[email protected] is a statewide discussion list for Massachusetts libraries. Messages posted to this list are saved in a publicly-accessible archive.

Join us for some upcoming legislative breakfasts. Click here for the schedule!
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