The MBLC receives funding annually from the Massachusetts state budget, administered by the Massachusetts legislature and governor. It also receives federal funding through the Library Services Technology Act (LSTA), administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Visit the Massachusetts legislature website for more information on the state budget process. See the MBLC's FY 2018 Legislative Agenda to learn more about funding priorities that impact library services for all residents.
For more information, contact Mary Rose Quinn.
| Item No. | Item Name | FY 2017 Budget | FY 2018 Legislative Agenda Request |
FY 2018 Governor's Budget | FY 2018 House Budget | FY 2018 Senate Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7000-9101 | Board of Library Commissioners | $1,077,431 | $1,225,000 | $1,088,205 | $1,088,205 | $1,225,000 |
| 7000-9401 | State Aid to Regional Libraries | $9,883,482 | $10,948,670 | $9,982,317† | $10,182,317‡ | $10,383,482†† |
| 7000-9402 | Talking Book Library (Worcester) | $441,715 | $450,115 | $446,132 | $496,131‡‡ | $450,115 |
| 7000-9406 | Talking Book & Machine Lending (Perkins) | $2,487,893 | $2,562,528 | $2,512,772 | $2,562,528 | $2,562,528 |
| 7000-9501 | State Aid to Public Libraries | $9,000,000 | $10,127,412 | $9,090,000 | $9,500,000 | $9,750,000 |
| 7000-9506 | Library Technology & Resource Sharing | $2,076,564 | $3,259,000 | $2,097,330 | $2,197,330 | $2,297,330 |
| 7000-9508 | Center for the Book | $200,000 | $210,000 | $202,000 | $200,000 | |
| TOTAL: | $25,167,085 | $28,782,725 | $25,418,756 | $26,226,511 | $26,668,455 | |
† Library for the Commonwealth funded at 40.7 cents per capita
‡ Library for the Commonwealth funded at 43.9 cents per capita
†† Library for the Commonwealth funded at 42.7 cents per capita
‡‡ Includes a $50,000 earmark for Worcester Public Library not related to Talking Book funding
How the Budget Process Works
The budget process begins in January when the Governor sends the administration's budget to the House. During January and February, House and Senate members meet individually with the chairs of House and Senate Ways and Means to list budget priorities. House and Senate Ways and Means hold hearings during February and March. House Ways and Means releases its budget in mid-April; amendments are filed and the House votes on its final budget in late April.Next, Senate Ways and Means releases its budget in mid-May; amendments are filed and the full Senate approves its budget in late May. Any differences in the House and Senate budget are sent to a Conference Committee. The Conference Committee usually finishes its work in June; both House and Senate must approve the Conference Committee budget before it is sent to the Governor. Governor signs the budget and then it becomes law. In most years, this process is completed before July 1st.