Board plans advocacy push after hearing budget concerns
Library board plans advocacy push after finding severe underfunding. The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees discussed strategies to increase municipal support after Director Bridget Cooley presented data showing Lowell receives $13.31 per capita in municipal funding, placing it in the
Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees · Meeting of February 11, 2026
LOWELL — Library board plans advocacy push after finding severe underfunding. The Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees discussed strategies to increase municipal support after Director Bridget Cooley presented data showing Lowell receives $13.31 per capita in municipal funding, placing it in the lowest 5 percent of Massachusetts' 347 municipalities with certified libraries. The state median is $44.90 per capita.
Board members Courtney McSparron and Titiana Tambi will develop an advocacy committee proposal for March. The board also noted a $1.4 million federal library funding increase signed into law this month.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 341 words
Source: the Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees meeting of February 11, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Lowell meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Lowell who follows town government? Share Townbrief Lowell: they can sign up free.