Welcome to the Massachusetts Library Trustees Association website. This site is written for trustees by trustees - based on personal perspectives and experiences - and is intended to be a central, supportive resource for those who oversee their town libraries.
The Massachusetts Library Trustees Association serves as a resource for trustees to become knowledgeable advocates to improve their community libraries.
To accomplish this goal, the MLTA:
Serves as a forum for exchange of information among trustees.
Provides workshops and seminars and disseminates information on a variety of topics to the trustees
Advocates for library legislation at the local and state level
Works with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) to improve libraries in the Commonwealth, concentrating on communications among the trustees (e.g., producing the Trustees' Handbook with the MBLC).
There are organizations throughout Massachusetts with the aim of supporting libraries and their communities. We have linked a few below.
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The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate, and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.
The nine commissioners set policy and conduct official business. The MBLC staff administer a wide array of statewide programs and services for libraries and residents.
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The Massachusetts Library Club, the predecessor of the Massachusetts Library Association, was founded on October 22, 1890, at the State Library in Boston.
For over 100 years The MLA has led the library profession.
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The Central Massachusetts Library Advocates are a group of librarians who have begun discussions on how best to represent Central Mass libraries, both as library advocates and as a continuing education source for librarians, library staff, and library supporters.
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Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) is committed to promoting the best in contemporary library service based on the unique resources and needs of libraries in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.
Become a member of the MLTA
Individual membership: $25 | Senior membership: $20 | Lifetime: $100
Full board: $100 (annually)
