Unfolded map with Massachusetts Library System Logo

In this Month’s News and Updates…

Sign up for our emails to get these updates straight to your inbox!

MLS to Take Part in Sustainable Libraries Initiative Grant Project

MLS Consultant Michelle Eberle will serve on the advisory group for a 15-month grant project for the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI).

The project is called “Operationalizing Community Resilience: Creating a Training and Partnership Model for Libraries.” Below is an official description of the project from SLI:

About Operationalizing Community Resilience: Creating a Training and Partnership Model for Libraries 

Operationalizing Community Resilience will pilot a training program designed to support public library staff in smaller and rural communities as they plan and implement locally relevant resilience activities in partnership with community-based organizations. The training will help participating libraries integrate the National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries (NCASL) into their daily operations, bridging national climate frameworks with the realities of local library work.

The pilot will train a total of 40 staff members drawn from 40 public libraries serving populations of 25,000 or fewer. Project outcomes will include:

  • Up to 40 library-led initiatives addressing climate mitigation or adaptation
  • Stronger partnerships between libraries and local organizations focused on climate preparedness
  • A scalable, field-tested training model and curriculum, and stories from the field, to help inspire more libraries to engage in similar work nationwide

Learn more by reading the full SLI press release.

Congratulations, Michelle!

New Learning Pathways on the MLS Learning Hub

MLS is excited to announce the release of two new courses as part of our Learning Pathways initiative.

Now Available

  • Youth Development and Behavior (Youth Services Learning Pathway): This foundational course helps library staff apply knowledge of youth development and behavior to create supportive, engaging, and inclusive library experiences. Gain practical tools for designing programs and spaces aligned with youth needs. This is the first course in the Youth Services Learning Pathway — complete all courses and requirements to earn your pathway badge.
  • Communication Essentials for Supervisors (Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Pathway): This foundational course supports library managers and supervisors to communicate clearly and purposefully. Gain practical tools for effective team management, coordination, and positive service interactions. This is the first course in the Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway — complete all courses and requirements to earn your pathway badge.

Get Started

Courses are available in the MLS Learning Hub:

New to the MLS Learning Hub? Create a free account to get started.

About the Learning Pathways

In response to member feedback from the 2023 Training Needs Assessment, MLS developed structured learning pathways to support career growth at every stage.

This work advances Strategic Initiative 2, Goal 3 of our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan: Ensure MLS maintains its statewide role leading the development of best practices, experimenting with new collaborative services, and other initiatives to move library services and libraries forward.

MLS Pathways include:

  • Youth Services Learning Pathway – for library staff serving children, teens, and caregivers.
  • Library Manager and Supervisor Beginner Learning Pathway – for early career library managers and supervisors and those who want to refresh their skills.

What’s Next?

Additional courses will be released throughout 2026. Learners earn a digital badge for each course completed and a pathway badge for completing all requirements in a pathway.

Questions? 

Contact MLS Learning Experience Program Manager Hillary Washburn (hillary@masslibsystem.org).

MBTA Launches Transit Screens @ Libraries Initiative

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced the “Transit Screens @ Libraries” initiative last week.

This free initiative displays real-time transit information for nearby bus, subway, ferry, and Commuter Rail service at Massachusetts libraries.

In the MBTA’s press release, MLS Executive Director Sarah Sogigian said, “The Massachusetts Library System is thrilled to connect local libraries to this unique offering at the MBTA. Libraries have reported that the real time transit screens are appreciated by both patrons and staff that use public transportation. Community collaboration is essential to serve residents of the Commonwealth, and we’re pleased to have helped contribute to this success.”

If your library is interested in participating in this program, visit the MBTA’s Digital Display Partnership Program page.

Webinar Recording Now Available: Responding to ICE at the Library

The webinar recording of “Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches” is now available on the MLS Learning Hub. MLS worked with the American Library Association (ALA) to offer this Public Library Association (PLA) recording to all MLS member library staff at no cost.

MLS member library staff can access the recording on the Learning Hub.

New to the Learning Hub? Create a free account.

About Responding to ICE at the Library: Real World Approaches

When agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enter a public library, staff need to know how to respond calmly, lawfully, and in ways that keep everyone safe. This webinar will highlight how libraries of different sizes and in different communities are navigating these situations in real life. Presenters will share how their libraries are approaching staff training, handling interactions, and ensuring everything is done professionally and legally. This webinar, sponsored by PLA’s Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, is designed to offer practical, real-world perspectives.

MHEC Monday: Furniture for Libraries

Looking to purchase furniture for your library?

Join us on April 6 at 10:30 a.m. for the next virtual MHEC Monday!

This month’s session will focus on furniture and accessory suppliers on MHEC’s C07 contract. Learn more and register on LibCal.

About MHEC Mondays

On the first Monday of each month, learn from MLS and MHEC about both library-specific contracts and non-library contracts relevant to MLS members’ needs. Register for upcoming sessions on LibCal.

Visit the MLS Booth at the MSLA Conference!

We hope to see you at our booth at the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) Conference on April 12 and 13!

Stop by to learn more about MLS services, pick up some MLS promotional items, and participate in a special giveaway. See you then!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR