State Grants to Regions & Networks 

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners administers a variety of grant programs for libraries in Massachusetts. Under the federal LSTA direct grant program, grants are available to any library that is a member of one of the six regional library systems that have met other specified eligibility requirements. Additional grant opportunities may be offered when state funds are available. Usually these grants go to Massachusetts library networks and regional library systems. There are no supplemental or capital funds available for a state grant round at this time.

The Massachusetts library networks receive annual grants for promoting library resource sharing, and to offset the ongoing costs of their telecommunication networks through the Board's Library Technology and Resource Sharing account (7000-9506). Beginning in FY2007, the Western Massachusetts Regional Library System received a telecommuncations support grant to support small library connectivity in that part of the state.

For FY 2009, the Board has approved a grant round for an expansion of the Small Libraries in Networks program. However, with the absence of new funding, this program will be frozen at its 2008 level. Funds will be used to help ensure that all public libraries in Massachusetts are able to provide broadband Internet access to the public. Libraries in communities under 10,000 population that are not currently members of an automated network, or wish to increase their level of participation, will be eligible for an annual offset to network membership. For details, please see the grant fact sheet (pdf) and the list of eligible libraries and municipalities (pdf). Networks and regional headquarters will apply on behalf of individual libraries.