​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.

APPLY FOR LIBRARY FREEDOM INSTITUTE!

Library Freedom Institute is an intensive training for library workers who want to support information democracy in our communities.

Over almost four months, you'll learn practical tools and strategies to defend privacy and access. You'll also gain a deeper understanding of the various threats to knowledge in our current information landscape, including the harms of Big Tech. All in a supportive cohort environment with other library workers from around the country.
Weekly virtual lectures and an in-person weekend will cover subjects like:

• Talking points for fighting censorship
• Resisting new data-driven business models
• Building coalitions to defend library values
• Cost is on a sliding scale!
• Technology for liberation, or at least better passwords

After LFI has completed, participants are invited to join the LFP community of practice, a one-of-a-kind space for library workers to continue collaborating in a supportive environment.

Applications for the next Library Freedom Institute are now open on libraryfreedom.org/institute until March 15th.

The 2025 cohort will begin sometime in mid to late April. Scroll down for the application questions and an FAQ, and don't hesitate to reach out to Alison Macrina (Director, Library Freedom Project) if you don't see your question answered there.

Join their mailing list for LFP events: https://lists.riseup.net/www/subscribe/lfp-news

Learn more about how you can donate to the ALA Disaster Relief Fund and to aide in restoring library services in the LA community.

The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) is pleased to offer this conference scholarship program to individuals who are employed at MLS member libraries. We encourage staff at all levels, in all types of libraries, to apply for a conference scholarship.

Learn more here and apply by December 15!

Join us for some upcoming legislative breakfasts. Click here for the schedule!
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ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom Helpline Grant
Ten grants are available for libraries willing to assist in implementing a Helpline to connect those experiencing censorship attempts with professional support. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to find out more and to get involved.

​LSTA Grants 2026
Apply for an Explore, Impact or Inspire Library Services and Technology Act grant here.
Letters of intent for Impact and Inspire grants are due December 5, 2024 with grant applications due April 8, 2025. Applications for Explore grants open on December 16 with applications due January 16, 2025.


RBMS Scholarship
The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is accepting scholarship applications for the 2025 RBMS Conference, A Multitude of Stories, in New Haven, CT and online from June 24 - 27, 2025. The application deadline is December 13, 2024. Apply here.


ALA Conference Award
The Shirley Olofson Memorial Award offers $1,000 to offset expenses associated with attending the ALA Conference in Philadelphia, PA from June 26 - 30, 2025. The application deadline is December 22, 2024 at 11:50 pm. Apply here.


The 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grant
Two WEGN grants will award funds and resources for graphic novel collection development and programming.  Libraries can apply for the 2025 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants here. The deadline for application is January 12, 2025.
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LHRT Phyllis Dain Library History Dissertation Award
The Library History Round Table (LHRT) of the ALA will award dissertations on significant topics related to the history of libraries that are completed and accepted in 2023 and 2024. The submission deadline is January 31, 2025. Submissions for the next award cycle will open in January, 2025. Find out more and apply here.

Register for the Amplify Your Voice: Library Advocacy Boot Camp on October 10th, 2024 at the Worcester Public Library.

Featuring keynote speaker, John Chrastka, Founder and Executive Director of EveryLibrary

REGISTER TODAY!

A CW MARS card is NOT required for registration.

The full-day boot camp is designed to help you build your advocacy toolkit as we enter the upcoming legislative season. It is meant for librarians and advocates at any skillset and is intended to help you build your advocacy toolkit.