FY2010 Legislative Agenda  

 Strong libraries are essential for education and lifelong learning, for economic development, for strong communities and for a strong democracy.

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) works toward equity of access to library services by creating a level playing field so that residents of all ages across the Commonwealth have access to essential library collections, services, facilities and electronic content regardless of where they live. Through libraries, residents find information and knowledge to improve their lives, to support education, to build their communities and to sustain our democracy.

No library can meet the demands of its users with local resources alone. That’s why state funded programs are so critical to the provision of library services. Citizens of Massachusetts are using libraries more than ever, and they rely on the links between libraries provided through state funding administered by the MBLC. Funding cuts since 2001 have placed immense burdens on local library budgets at a time when demand for services is rising.

Fund Statewide Library Services

Account 7000-9101 Administration of the Board of Library Commissioners

Previous High $1,229,472 (FY2001)

FY2009 Budget $1,048,560

FY2010 Target $1,437,249

The MBLC provides statewide leadership to implement cooperative library service that works toward the goal of equal access to library resources for all. Under-funding of the agency leaves the Board unable to fulfill its statutory obligations to advise trustees and to properly administer grant programs.


Account 7000-9401 State Aid to Regional Public Libraries and the Library of Last Recourse

Previous High $17,623,954 (FY2002)

FY2009 Budget $17,166,071

FY2010 Target $23,235,420

Regional library systems provide services that are vital to local libraries’ survival. Yet, after 7 years of inadequate funding the delivery system that carried 12.5 million items last year consumes a disproportionate share of regional budgets. Regions are not able to provide basic services—bookmobile and deposit collections, licensed databases, training programs and technical assistance—that support the 1766 public, school, academic and special libraries that are members statewide.


Account 7000-9402 Talking Book Library (Worcester)

Previous High $440,000 (FY2009)

FY2009 Budget after 9C cut $423,685

FY2010 Target $450,000

Account 7000-9406 Talking Book & Machine Lending Agency (Perkins)

Previous High $2,341,359 (FY2009)

FY2009 Budget after 9C cut $2,225,543

FY2010 Target $2,511,359

As the “public libraries” for residents who are blind, legally blind, or physically unable to use printed books these programs work in tandem to provide a lifeline service of talking books, magazines and newspapers; machines to read talking books; large print books; described videos; and specialized reference and children’s services. There are 22,000 active users from every community in the state, but at least 150,000 people could be users if funding permitted.


Account 7000-9501 State Aid to Public Libraries

Previous High $9,949,804 (FY2001)

FY2009 Budget $9,989,844

FY2010 Target $15,000,000

Use of our public libraries hit an all time high for the 8th consecutive year last year (57,078,862 check outs) with books, CDs, DVDs flying off the shelves and successful early literacy programs for kids and programs promoting civic engagement for adults attended more than ever. The requested funding will match the local commitment to maintain minimum standards, and it recognizes the cost of directly circulating materials to non-residents. Funding for that part of the program has been flat since 1994 while borrowing has increased 66%.


Account 7000-9506 Library Technology & Resource Sharing

Previous High $4,420,235 (FY2001)

FY2009 Budget after 9C cut $2,816,000

FY2010 Target $7,400,000

Under-funding of this account passes costs of library networking back to cities and towns, denies residents (especially students) access to essential electronic research materials to support education and economic development, and relegates residents of small towns mostly in the western part of the state to second class status when it comes to accessing the state’s library resources.


Account 7000-9507 Public Libraries Fund

Previous High $250,000 (FY2008)

FY2009 Budget after 9C cut $0

FY2010 Target $1,000,000

This state incentive for public libraries to enhance the services they offer through private fund raising is designed to create local partnerships that strengthen libraries and communities. A 50 cent match per dollar raised was originally proposed. At the target funding level the match would be approximately 10 cents.