https://mblc.state.ma.usNews Releasesenceleste.bruno@state.ma.uspaul.kissman@state.ma.ushttps://mblc.state.ma.us/_global/images/mblc_logo_rss.pnghttps://mblc.state.ma.us14435MBLC Logo - MBLC New Releases RSS FeedThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Springfield City Library’s Young Adult Health and Wellness project has been recognized as exemplary for its impact under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States programhttps://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260918.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce that Franklin Public Library’s Citizenship Corners and English Language Learning Service for New Americans project has been recognized as exemplary for its impact under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program.https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260916.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is working with the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) to bring its successful Mass Memories program to libraries across the Commonwealth to capture local history.https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260914.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce Brian Stokes as the new Head of Library Advisory and Development. The Head of Library Advisory and Development at the MBLC oversees the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program and provides advisory services to public library directors, trustees, and friends groups.https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260831.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ally Dowds, the MBLC’s Consultant to Special Populations, to the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission. https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260819.phpOn July 31, 2026, the Massachusetts Legislature passed An Act regarding free expression, S.3241 which creates clear guidelines for how schools and libraries decide which books to make available, and how local leaders determine whether a book is appropriate or should be removed from the shelf. “Today this Legislature took action protect values we hold so dear: the freedom to create, to think for oneself, to explore our world through books and art, and pass our American legacy of free expression to our children and grandchildren,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “As our residents’ constitutional rights face attacks at every turn from the federal government, this legislation protects the freedom to read a book of one’s choice in order to learn and grow, free of political bias. I applaud Senator Cyr and Senator Oliveira for their leadership, all my Senate colleagues for their support, and thank our colleagues in the House for getting this to the Governor’s desk.” https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260803.phpMassArt at the Library is returning for another summer of connecting people to art through workshops at public libraries. The program, sponsored by The Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), places MassArt faculty and student ambassadors in public libraries so that children and teens can experience the benefits of art creation, learn about the creative process, connect with MassArt faculty and students, and explore art as a possible career path.https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260722.phpGovernor Healey recently signed the $63 billion FY2027 state budget with more than $53 million to support libraries across the Commonwealth through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260720-2.phpStarting this summer, anyone who works, studies, or lives in Massachusetts can learn a new language or research their ancestry online through the Commonwealth’s libraries. American Ancestors features Massachusetts specific information not available anywhere else and offers unique opportunities to create a family tree or find out about Mayflower descendants. People can use Transparent Languages to learn English, American Sign Language or over 100 other languages and access free US citizenship practice testshttps://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260720.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) elected new officers to serve for FY2027 at its Board Meeting on July 9, 2026. https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260709-2.phpAt its July 9, 2026 board meeting the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded provisional construction grants totaling $20,480,432 and $614,413 in provisional Green Library Incentives to Falmouth and Hudson, municipalities that are participating in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260709.php“I am thrilled to be joining the passionate, dedicated, and impactful team at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to elevate the incredible work our libraries do in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Eric White. “I have been humbled to serve the residents of the City of Boston and the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District with incredible public servants, including my friend and mentor Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and I look forward to continuing to serve in this new capacity supporting the Commissioners, librarians, patrons, and general public who recognize the irreplaceable role libraries play in our communities.”https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260701.phpThe Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) recently awarded $765,913 to the nine Automated Resource Sharing Networks across the Commonwealth. Networks will use the funding to improve patron accessibility in a variety of ways including major system upgrades to new discovery platforms that will not only give patrons a more consistent experience throughout the state but be compliant with American with Disabilities Act (ADA). https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260601.phpWhen municipalities struggle to fund their public libraries, their library’s certification in the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners’ (MBLC) State Aid to Public Libraries Program is threatened. “Certification in the program is vital to the statewide network of sharing that makes the Massachusetts system one of the best and busiest in the nation,” said Maureen Amyot, MBLC Director. The program is powerful and far reaching. Of the 350 municipalities with libraries, 347 are certified in the State Aid to Public Libraries program. The communities that are not state certified typically do not submit program applications and have populations of under 800 people. https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260526.phpFour public libraries from across the state have been selected to have some hands-on fun to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence: The Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield, Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen New Bedford Free Public Library Worcester Public Library https://mblc.state.ma.us/news/news-releases/2026/nr260507.php