2024 Statewide Services and Initiatives
Research Databases
The statewide database program provides critical access to research databases that no community or school system could afford to purchase on its own. On average 60% of database usage comes from schools. Last year, there were over 9 million full text downloads from these databases, an increase of 12% in just one year.
Summer Reading
More than 157,000 children, teens, and adults participated in statewide summer reading programs in partnership with the Boston Bruins. With MCAS reading scores (English Language Art-ELA) for grades 3 through 10 in a three-year downward *trend, these programs help close the literacy gap, a critical predictor of academic success.
Libraries.state.ma.us, the consumer website for residents
More than 80% of people coming to the site are new users so the MBLC redesigned it to feature services that appeal to this population such as how to get a library card, do online research, how to access eBooks and audiobooks, and programs and classes for learners of all ages and abilities. Pageviews have increased 39% since 2021.
Library eBooks and Audiobooks (LEA)
LEA allows Massachusetts library users to access eBooks, audiobooks, and more from 375 libraries from across the Commonwealth. LEA circulation has more than doubled since 2019 with residents borrowing more than 1.9 million items from LEA in 2024, an increase of 19% in just one year.
The Commonwealth Catalog (ComCat)
ComCat gives residents access to millions of items that their own network doesn’t have. Items are ordered through ComCat and delivered right to the residents’ local library for pick-up. Libraries save money because they don’t have to purchase every item residents need. More than 88,000 items were circulated via ComCat in 2024.
Disaster Preparedness & Mitigating Catastrophic Loss
MBLC is a founding partner of Coordinated Statewide Emergency Preparedness for Cultural Heritage in Massachusetts. The MBLC provides training and resources so libraries can minimize the impacts from disasters through risk assessment and mitigation planning.
MBLC Grants Preserve Historical Collections
Massachusetts libraries are home to historic items that an important part of the Commonwealth's rich cultural heritage. Preserving them and making them accessible to generations to come is the goal of the annual Preservation Assessment Grants from the MBLC.
*According to Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education MCAS Results - Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System