A new statewide program from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), now makes it possible for residents to “borrow the Internet” from their local library by checking out a hotspot. Thousands of Massachusetts residents rely on libraries for internet access. There were an average of 15,000 internet sessions every day in public libraries … Read more
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has announced that it is using funds from the American Rescue Plan to help libraries in communities deemed “hard hit by COVID” by Governor Charlie Baker’s office. The board is providing programs and services that will help their communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Massachusetts Department of … Read more
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has approved $500,000 in grants to library networks in Massachusetts to purchase eContent for the Library eBook and Audiobook (LEA) program. LEA gives Massachusetts residents access to eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 377 participating libraries from across the Commonwealth. This statewide system allows eContent to be shared in a similar … Read more
For many years now, residents of Massachusetts have been able to access audiobooks, ebooks and e-versions of their favorite magazines through various library networks. The demand for econtent continues to grow and surged after libraries closed their doors in 2020 as COVID-19 led to shutdowns of many public spaces across the country. At its October … Read more
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) has partnered with Walker Cares to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid to library staff. “Frontline library staff work with teens, many of whom have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and a year of social distancing.” said Lyndsay Forbes, Project Manager and Grants Specialist at the MBLC. “This program has … Read more