Refer to the following documents and websites throughout the planning process.
Congratulations on your invitation into the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) 2023-2024 grant round!
The Planning and Design Phase grant, which is a State grant administered by the Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and regulated under 605 CMR 6.00., is for activities related to the planning and designing of new, renovated, or expanded public library facilities in advance of a whole building project. You will be assigned an MBLC Library Building Consultant/Specialist, who will work with you throughout this phase as your library, your OPM, your architect, and your municipality work toward the MPLCP Level of Design and the independent review of that design. See the Planning Process tab for your grant type for more information about this phase.
Once the MPLCP Level of Design passes review, it will be sent out for an estimate, which will become the basis for calculating your Construction Phase grant and local funding. A municipal vote for approval of support and local funding are required prior to signing a contract for a Construction Phase grant award. The Construction Phase funding is for the completion of design documents and the constructing of an improved library facility through new construction, renovation/addition, or conversion/addition. Your MBLC Library Building Consultant/Specialist will continue to work with you and your stakeholders throughout this phase until submission of your final report.
Please see the Timeline tab for an approximate schedule for each phase by grant type.
Established in 1890, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is a state agency that supports, improves and promotes library services throughout the Commonwealth.
For information about the full range of Board activities, please see their website at https://mblc.state.ma.us.
The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities for planning, design, improvement and expansion of their public library facilities. State regulations 605 CMR 6.00 govern the program.
The MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. The program awards grants for planning, design, and construction to support public libraries. Between 1987 and 2023, the MPLCP helped build 63 new library buildings and 173 addition, renovation, and conversion projects.