October 01, 2026 - MBLC Funds Nearly $3 Million to Support Library Networks
At its October board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded $2,893,510 in library network and resource sharing grants for FY2027 across three grant programs: Small Libraries in Networks (SLIN), Network Infrastructure, and Resource Sharing. Together, the grants fund the nine automated library networks that serve more than 470 public, school and academic libraries across the Commonwealth.
"Every library that joins one of the networks makes the whole system stronger for everyone in it," said Kate Butler, Library Information Systems Specialist at the MBLC. "These grants make network membership affordable for small libraries, help libraries afford telecommunications equipment and system upgrades, and funds eContent and print material sharing across the state. It's a direct investment in how Massachusetts residents use their libraries."
The grant awards are as follows:
Small Libraries in Networks (SLIN)
The SLIN program (PDF) allocates state funds from MBLC budget line 7000-9506 to offset network membership costs for small libraries when joining a resource sharing network. Nahant Public LIbrary is the newest library to join a library network, bringing NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange) into the SLIN program.
With network membership, residents of towns with small libraries have access to more than 53 million items shared across the Commonwealth delivered through the Massachusetts Library System.
| Network | Municipality | Award |
|---|---|---|
| CLAMS | Barnstable | $31,324 |
| C/W MARS | Worcester | $295,695 |
| Minuteman Library Network | Natick | $11,315 |
| MVLC | North Andover | $39,392 |
| NOBLE | Danvers | $2,075 |
| OCLN | Braintree | $4,338 |
| SAILS | Lakeville | $23,861 |
| Total | $408,000 |
Network Infrastructure Grants
The Network Infrastructure Grant Program (PDF) supports the capital and infrastructure costs essential to library services and can be used for telecommunications fees associated with operating servers, network system upgrades, and library platforms or library management software.
| Network | Municipality | Award |
|---|---|---|
| CLAMS | Barnstable | $29,280 |
| C/W MARS | Worcester | $114,517 |
| FLO | Boston | $30,295 |
| MBLN | Boston | $54,141 |
| Minuteman Library Network | Natick | $42,979 |
| MVLC | North Andover | $30,295 |
| NOBLE | Danvers | $27,250 |
| OCLN | Braintree | $28,265 |
| SAILS | Lakeville | $42,979 |
| Total | $400,001 |
Resource Sharing Program Grants
The MBLC's Resource Sharing Program Grants (PDF) provides an incentive for libraries in the resource sharing networks to list their holdings to make them available to lend to users of other libraries. Sharing materials gives library users access to items they might not be able to get at their own local library. The Resource Sharing Grant also supports the network eCard program.
| Network | Municipality | Award |
|---|---|---|
| CLAMS | Barnstable | $146,581 |
| C/W MARS | Worcester | $433,102 |
| FLO | Boston | $93,885 |
| MBLN | Boston | $234,400 |
| Minuteman Library Network | Natick | $392,607 |
| MVLC | North Andover | $219,703 |
| NOBLE | Danvers | $212,873 |
| OCLN | Braintree | $165,549 |
| SAILS | Lakeville | $186,810 |
| Total | $2,085,509 |
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
