Massachusetts Library Association

10/07/2026

There’s still time to join us for Library Advocacy Bootcamp!

Library Advocacy Bootcamp is happening on Friday, October 16 at Worcester Public Library, and there’s still time to register - registration closes soon on Monday the 12th!

Amplify Your Voice: Library Advocacy Boot Camp
Friday, October 16, 2026
9:30 AM–3:00 PM
Worcester Public Library

FREE for MLA Members | $25 for Non-Members

Spend the day strengthening your advocacy skills through legislative updates, facilitated discussions, real-world case studies, small-group work, and conversations with librarians from across Massachusetts.

Breakfast and lunch are included.

Don’t miss your chance to join us on October 16th!

EVENT DETAILS & REGISTRATION:
https://www.masslib.org/library-advocacy-bootcamp.html

09/30/2026

There’s still time to register for MLA’s Library Advocacy Bootcamp!

Advocacy isn’t just something we do when a library faces a crisis. It’s about building relationships, communicating the value of our work, and being ready to speak up for our libraries and our communities.

Join the Massachusetts Library Association for Amplify Your Voice: Library Advocacy Bootcamp on Friday, October 16, from 9:30 AM–3:00 PM at Worcester Public Library.

Why should you sign up?

This year’s Bootcamp takes a case study approach to advocacy. You’ll work through real-world scenarios and explore the challenges, decisions, and opportunities that can arise when advocating for your library. Together with other librarians, you’ll consider different strategies, discuss possible responses, and practice thinking through advocacy situations before you encounter them in the real world.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or already doing this work, you’ll leave with new ideas, practical experience, and greater confidence to make your voice heard.

MLA Members: FREE
Non-Members: $25

Libraries need informed, prepared, and engaged advocates. Come spend the day building the skills to advocate more effectively for your library and your community.

There’s still time to join us — register today!

https://www.masslib.org/library-advocacy-bootcamp.html

09/24/2026

Let’s Talk Summer Reading!

Join the MLA Youth Services Section (YSS) for a Summer Reading Rundown next Tuesday!

Tuesday, September 29
2:00 PM
Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85236532937)

We’ll talk about how summer reading went, share program recommendations, ideas, successes, and lessons learned, and connect with fellow youth services library workers.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration for next year or have a great idea to share, we’d love to have you join the conversation!

Hope to see you there!

09/23/2026

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2027 MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Have a program, service, idea, or experience that could benefit your library colleagues? We want to hear from you!

The Massachusetts Library Association Conference Committee is now accepting proposals for the 2027 MLA Annual Conference: Cultivating Connection taking place on April 26–27, 2027 at the Boston Marriott Newton.

We’re looking for engaging sessions that give attendees hands-on, practical, and actionable ideas they can bring back to their libraries and communities.

Have you launched a successful new program? Tried a creative approach to a familiar challenge? Learned something your colleagues could put into practice? Consider turning that experience into a conference session!

**Proposal Deadline: Friday, October 9 at 5:00 PM EDT**

Sessions are presented live and in person and are allotted up to 45 minutes, including Q&A. Presenters receive a reduced registration rate for the day they present.

Help us Cultivate Connection in 2027!

**Submit your proposal:**
https://sessionize.com/2027-mla-annual-conference

Boston Marriott Newton
April 26–27, 2027

Questions? Contact [email protected]

09/21/2026

LIBRARY ADVOCACY BOOTCAMP IS COMING TO WORCESTER!

We’re excited to announce that the Massachusetts Library Association’s Legislative Committee has scheduled its third annual Amplify Your Voice: Library Advocacy Boot Camp.

Friday, October 16, 2026
9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Worcester Public Library
FREE for MLA Members | $25 for Non-Members

Library advocacy can involve complex situations, different audiences, and difficult conversations. This interactive day gives participants an opportunity to learn, work through real-world case studies, and discuss approaches with library colleagues from across Massachusetts.

The day will include:
Legislative updates
Speakers and facilitated discussion
Two interactive case studies
Small-group work and debriefs
Breakfast and lunch

Whether advocacy is already part of your work or you’re looking to better understand the process, Library Advocacy Bootcamp offers a day dedicated to learning and practicing together.
Space is limited—register today!

EVENT DETAILS & REGISTRATION:
https://www.masslib.org/library-advocacy-bootcamp.html

Event Details Day: Friday, October 16, 2026 Time: 9:30am-3pm Location : Worcester Public Library MLA Members: Free Non-members: $25 per person Agenda for the Day 9:30 a.m. - Registration and...

09/07/2026

**Paralibrarian Section Meeting – Tomorrow!**

Join us for the upcoming **Paralibrarian Section Meeting**!

**Tuesday, September 8, 2026**
**10:00 AM – 11:30 AM**
**Held via Zoom:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84508555206?pwd=d0ZVYjJreUYyRmJJTVVsUDM4VGNhQT09

This meeting is **open to all MLA members** interested in paralibrarianship, certification pathways, and strengthening paraprofessional engagement across libraries.

Whether you’re currently working as a paralibrarian, supporting paraprofessional staff, or simply interested in learning more, we’d love to have you join the conversation!

Please share with colleagues who may be interested. We hope to see you there!

08/31/2026

Join us tomorrow!

The Massachusetts Library Association’s Outreach and Community Engagement Section will hold its next monthly meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1, at 11:00 AM ET. This is a new section of MLA - but we are so excited to be launching this section - please join in on the fun!

Connect with colleagues, share ideas, and discuss outreach and community engagement in Massachusetts libraries. All are welcome!

Tuesday, September 1, 2026
11:00 AM ET
Join on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88155136696?pwd=fdSOqDUfj0aBmegHAnHo8gsuoWN0Qb.1

Meeting ID: 881 5513 6696
Passcode: 478779

We hope to see you there!

08/25/2026

**The Call for Proposals is NOW OPEN!**

Do you have an idea, experience, project, or insight to share with the Massachusetts library community? We want to hear from you!

The **2027 Massachusetts Library Association Annual Conference** is seeking engaging and inspiring proposals for conference sessions. The conference will be held April 26–28, 2027, and proposals are due by **October 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM**.

Whether you're a seasoned presenter or considering sharing your expertise for the first time, we encourage you to submit a proposal and help shape this year's conference.

**Submit your proposal today:**
https://sessionize.com/2027-mla-annual-conference

We can't wait to see what you have to share!

08/14/2026

A victory for the freedom to read!

The Massachusetts Library Association celebrates the signing of the Freedom to Read law—landmark legislation protecting access to books and safeguarding the professional judgment of librarians and educators across the Commonwealth.

This law establishes clear, fair standards for reviewing challenged materials, protects library workers acting in good faith, and affirms that books should not be removed because of personal, political, or doctrinal objections.

We are deeply grateful to the librarians, library workers, advocates, legislators, and community members whose years of testimony, organizing, and courageous advocacy made this achievement possible. A special shout-out goes to MLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee for its involvement in this important initiative!

Today, Massachusetts sends a powerful message: Everyone deserves the freedom to read, learn, explore, and encounter new ideas.

Learn more: https://www.masslib.org/public-statements.html

Read the final version of the bill:
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S3241

Watch Governor Healey sign the bill into law at the Franklin Public Library:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad8zF-KK34M

Photo credit: M. William Lensch

05/13/2026

Your conference soundtrack is here! 🎧
See link in bio and see you sooooon!