Libraries, digital & civic life
Consistent priorityLibraries, internet and device access, lending programs, civic education and neighbor-connecting community efforts.
Residents ask for free internet, digital skills training, borrowable items and stronger library access, along with places and programs that connect neighbors and teach civics.
Theme grouped and summary written with AI from this theme's resident ideas.
180 ideas across three cycles
| Cycle | Ideas | Share of all ideas | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 58 | 4.8% | 10 of 20 |
| 2025–26 | 54 | 4.5% | 9 of 20 |
| 2026–27 | 68 | 5.1% | 8 of 20 |
Needs that keep coming back
Free public Wi-Fi and internet access
Residents repeatedly ask for free Wi-Fi in community centers, parks, transit areas and underserved neighborhoods so people who can't afford data or home internet can learn, work and get services.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Lending libraries for tools and everyday items
Residents want free borrowing of costly, rarely used items such as tools, equipment and tech, through the library or neighborhood lending sites.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Digital literacy and computer training
Residents ask for free computer and smartphone classes, with seniors, low-income residents and non-English speakers named often, and for access to devices.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
More library access, funding and reach
Residents ask for more library funding, longer or Sunday hours, more branch programming, and mobile or pop-up library services for areas far from a branch.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
Civic education and neighbor-connecting spaces
Residents want civics lessons for kids and adults, and low-cost places and events where neighbors and community groups can meet and learn from one another.
Raised in 2024–25, 2025–26, 2026–27
2024–25
Internet access in community centers and citywide, tool and item lending, and library-based programming and classes stood out, along with requests for apps and offices that point residents to services.
2025–26
Sunday library hours, pilot Wi-Fi stations, computer classes for Chinatown seniors, and financial-education workshops in libraries and community centers were prominent, along with many ideas for shared community space.
2026–27
Repeated requests for senior tech training, tool lending, mobile library and bookmobile ideas, free Wi-Fi in underserved areas, and more funding for community nonprofits stood out in the largest set of ideas.
New in 2026–27
Growing or new asks include borrowable Wi-Fi hotspots, laptops and outdoor gear in lockboxes, library recording booths and seed libraries, makerspaces, city-run AI tools, and more grant funding for community nonprofits.
Funding so far
No winning projects funded by resident vote relate to this theme, so every recurring ask (free Wi-Fi, digital training, lending libraries, library access and hours, civic education and community space) remains unaddressed through voting.
Projects are linked to themes by matching each project's description to the themes; this is not an official City classification.
No winning project has addressed this theme yet.
Departments that often lead this work
- Boston Public Library
- Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion
Suggested with AI; not an official assignment of responsibility.
Ideas in Libraries, digital & civic life
180 ideas
2024–25: 58 · 2025–26: 54 · 2026–27: 68
- Free seed libraries in city librariesResident proposes seed-sharing cabinets inside city libraries where residents can pick up free vegetable, herb and flower seeds to grow at home.2026–27City-wide
- Community talks on AI's environmental costsResident proposes interactive community discussions explaining the hidden environmental costs of AI and data processing so residents can advocate for sustainable tech practices.2026–27City-wide
- Neighborhood tool and equipment lending libraryResident asks for a lending library where residents can borrow ladders, power tools, carpet cleaners and gardening equipment, reducing costs for low-income and underserved neighborhoods.2026–27City-wide
- Simplified tech and drop-in tech circles for seniorsResident asks for simplified tablets, keyboards, and adaptive styluses at senior centers for drop-in tech circles where seniors help each other learn.2026–27City-wide
- Free computer and smartphone training for seniorsResident asks for free hands-on computer and smartphone training for seniors covering everyday tasks like video calls, managing online accounts, and safe internet use.2026–27City-wide
- Free computer and smartphone training for seniorsResident asks for free hands-on computer and smartphone training for seniors covering everyday tasks like video calls, managing online accounts, and safe internet use.2026–27City-wide
- Free computer and smartphone training for seniorsResident asks for free hands-on computer and smartphone training for seniors covering everyday tasks like video calls, managing online accounts, and safe internet use.2026–27City-wide
- Shaded outdoor workspaces with Wi-Fi and solar outletsResident asks for shaded park tables with public Wi-Fi and solar outlets in commercial plazas, giving free workspace to low-income freelancers, gig workers, and students.2026–27City-wide
- Shared tech and craft tools for seniors and youthResident asks for community centers to have scanners, tablets, and craft stations so seniors and youth can share stories and learn technology together for free.2026–27City-wide
- Neighborhood tool lending librariesResident asks for tool lending libraries in city library basements or trailers offering mowers, drills, saws, and home repair tools to borrow free.2026–27City-wide
- Wi-Fi hotspot and laptop lockboxes at community centersResident asks for self-service lockboxes in community centers where residents can borrow Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops for short-term home use.2026–27City-wide
- Pop-up Fix-It Clinics in public plazasResident asks to buy repair kits and run free pop-up Fix-It Clinics in public plazas where residents learn to repair clothes, bicycles, and small electronics.2026–27City-wide
- Expand community learning spaces and resource sharingThe resident asks for more community learning spaces, activity venues, free information services and resource platforms, run with community organizations to support underserved residents.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Chinese
- Expand community learning spaces and resource sharingThe resident asks for more community learning spaces, activity venues, free information services and resource platforms, run with community organizations to support underserved residents.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Chinese
- Neighborhood pet resource stationsResident proposes neighborhood stations stocked with donated pet food and supplies to help families in financial hardship keep their pets and support housing stability.2026–27City-wide
- Neighborhood community free storesResident proposes free stores in each neighborhood, run with mutual aid groups and nonprofits, plus a shared webpage for exchanging items and easing donation storage burdens.2026–27City-wide
- Chatty Benches to reduce lonelinessResident proposes designating 'Chatty Benches' in neighborhoods where people who feel lonely or isolated can sit and chat with others.2026–27City-wide
- Reliable internet for a poorly served areaResident says homes on and around Alwin Street have little or no wifi, hurting students' schoolwork and adults' ability to work from home, and asks for reliable internet access.2026–27Hyde Park
- Makerspaces in schools and community centersResident proposes makerspaces in neighborhood schools and community centers so people who cannot afford such spaces can create, learn, start businesses and save money.2026–27City-wide
- Regional 311 app with request triageResident asks for a single Greater Boston 311 reporting app where staff route requests to the right municipality, sparing commuters from using multiple apps.2026–27City-wide