It All Starts at the Library

The FY2027 Legislative Agenda of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

It All Starts at the Library is the FY2027 Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Legislative Agenda. State Aid to Public Libraries (7000-9101) is the funding priority and the MBLC is requesting a 5% increase to that budget line.
The agenda highlights the ways libraries are vital to addressing some of the issues facing the Commonwealth including affordability, lagging literacy rates, and more.

Why it matters
It’s the way the MBLC requests state funding to pay for: 

• Delivery and other MLS services: The Massachusetts Library System is funded through MBLC budget line 7000-9401.
  
• Statewide programs, resources, and services from Boston Public Library’s Library for the Commonwealth (MBLC budget line 7000-9401).
  
• Offsetting the cost of your library’s membership in Library Networks. State funding from MBLC budget line 7000-9506 helps keep network fees affordable.
  
• Local aid for your library through the MBLC’s State Aid to Public Libraries Program (MBLC budget line 7000-9501).
  
• Statewide services and outreach provided by MBLC staff (MBLC budget line 9101).
  
• Library services for people who have a disability through the Talking Book Libraries at Perkins (MBLC budget line 7000-9406) and Worcester (MBLC budget line 7000-9402).
  
• Letters about Literature, Massachusetts Books Awards, and programs that support literacy, especially in gateway communities through the Massachusetts Center for the Book. (MBLC budget line 7000-9508).
  

How the Legislative Agenda can be used
Copies will be available at Legislative Breakfasts across the state and will be sent to legislators and libraries.
You can use it with both state and local officials to explain the good work that libraries are doing and the need for funding.

The funding flow chart provides more information about how the MBLC uses state funds to support library services.

Thank you to the MBLC’s Statewide Public Relations Advisory Committee for working closely with MBLC staff to develop this agenda.