Press Release: 11/16/2025

Senate Strengthens Access to Digital Materials in Public Libraries

 

November 13, 2025

 

Legislation to increase the accessibility of public library digital resources 

(BOSTON—11/13/2025) The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously today to help Massachusetts public libraries more easily and accessibly provide in-demand digital resources such as e-books and audiobooks.  

An Act addressing challenges facing public libraries and digital resource collections, S.2710, would create a special legislative commission to assess and address challenges faced by public libraries and digital resource collections. Over the last several years, e-books and audiobooks have become an increasingly prevalent resource used by library patrons, yet they have become a financial burden for already strained public libraries.

The commission would be tasked with examining the evolving landscape of digital resources in public libraries, focusing on costs, access, privacy, and policy implications.

“Public libraries are essential to our communities, our democracy and our Commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Digital tools both expand what is possible for residents to learn and experience and present new and unique challenges for our public libraries. The bill we passed today shows our commitment to helping libraries survive and thrive in the digital age so they can continue to be the vital resources we rely on. I’d like to thank Senator Feeney for championing this issue, Chairs Lovely and Mark for stewarding this legislation to the Senate floor, and the entire Senate for advancing this important legislation.”

“Local public libraries and their dedicated librarians provide unparalleled services that form the backbone of our communities,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), lead sponsor of the legislation. “Yet when it comes to providing access to e-books and audiobooks, an increasingly demanded resource used by library patrons, libraries are forced to pay disproportionately high costs and deal with unreasonable lending restrictions to provide these services, adding an extra burden onto already strained public libraries and reducing the accessibility of these materials for the public. This current reality is unsustainable for our libraries. With the passage of this bill, we are one step closer towards solving this issue in Massachusetts in a way that is fair, enforceable, and worthy of the Commonwealth's invaluable public libraries.”

The commission would study cost trends that affect libraries and the sustainability of electronic resources, as well as assessing how consumers use these resources. The commission is also tasked with researching expert opinions on the legal differences between digital licensing and traditional print use, identifying how these variations influence user experience and equitable access to diverse collections. Additionally, it investigates how consumer data is managed, used, and shared through library digital platforms to identify potential privacy and consumer protection concerns.

While libraries can often purchase physical books at significant discounts, digital content is rented by the library, often for a higher price than what a regular consumer would pay. These contracts often expire after a period of time, or a number of checkouts, meaning libraries are forced to pay recurring fees at a disproportionately high price.

Over the past decade, Massachusetts libraries have spent more than $50 million in local, state, and federal tax dollars to provide access to digital resources. Yet due to the high recurring cost of renting these materials, most libraries’ electronic resources collections are relatively small, with the average patron having to wait over two months for access to popular titles.

“Public libraries are essential to our communities, providing valuable and accessible resources that members of our communities rely on every day,” said Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely, Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. “It is critical that the Commonwealth supports these cornerstone institutions of our communities, and I am proud to have joined my colleagues in ensuring that our public libraries are prepared for, and able to thrive in, an increasingly digital world. Thank you to Senate President Spilka, Chair Mark, and Senator Feeny for your leadership and dedication to supporting our public libraries.”

“This bill will go a long way towards finding the right approach to ensure that our public libraries, already facing financial challenges and navigating an ever changing technological landscape, continue to stay at the forefront of accessibility and support for the people of Massachusetts,” Senator Paul W. Mark (D-Becket), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. “I’m grateful to the work of my colleagues in taking this important step ahead and look forward to reviewing and implementing the recommendations of the commission in the near future.”

By reviewing the actions of other states in digital resource development and management, the commission aims to provide informed recommendations for legislative and executive measures that support the sustainability and accessibility of electronic resources, ensure the continuation of public lending to residents, and safeguard consumer data.

The legislation was advanced by a 6-0 vote of the Senate Committee on Rules on November 7, 2025, following a 6-0 vote and favorable report from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development on August 14, 2025.

The Senate passed the bill to be engrossed on a 37-0 roll call. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.