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
- Lockable gear-lending boxes in parksResident asks for weatherproof lockable boxes in parks stocked with borrowable gear such as lawn games, sleds and tools, removing cost as a barrier to outdoor recreation.2026–27City-wide
- Provide Wi-Fi at Boston librariesThe resident asks that Boston libraries offer Wi-Fi, which visitors would like to have.2026–27DowntownSubmitted in Korean
- More funding for Boston Public Library Special CollectionsThe resident asks for more resources for the BPL Special Collections Department, which holds art, archives, music and rare books created by people from all walks of life.2026–27Back Bay
- QR codes showing local area mapsThe resident proposes QR codes that display a map of roughly a one-mile radius around the scan location, to help residents and tourists unfamiliar with an area.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Korean
- Lending library of outdoor games and toysThe resident asks for a lending library of games and recreation items for outdoor spaces, so people can play without needing to afford them.2026–27Brighton
- Peace symposiums between culturesResident proposes facilitated discussions and meetings to promote peace among different cultures.2026–27City-wide
- Free community center in Allston-BrightonResident asks for a free community center in Allston-Brighton as a third space for everyone to enjoy together.2026–27Brighton
- Multipurpose community event spaceThe resident asks for a multipurpose space where residents can hold health talks, cultural events, classes and gatherings, free or low-cost, to encourage exchange among different cultures and ages.2026–27City-wideSubmitted in Chinese
- Local radio station for the Black communityResident asks for a local radio station to inform the Black community in real time about important issues affecting their lives.2026–27City-wide
- Expand free public Wi-Fi in underserved neighborhoodsResident asks for expanded free public Wi-Fi so low-income and historically disinvested neighborhoods can access education, telehealth and remote work.2026–27City-wide
- Equity hubs offering housing, job and resource supportResident asks for equity hubs in libraries, community centers and schools offering free, easy-to-access support with housing, jobs and other resources.2026–27City-wide
- Free children's book collection at T stationsResident proposes collection containers and volunteer tables at T stations and parks to share books children have outgrown, giving kids free reading material.2026–27City-wide
- Intergenerational learning and skill exchange hubResident proposes a community hub where generations share skills such as cooking, sewing, gardening, music, trades, budgeting and cultural traditions.2026–27City-wide
- Ongoing intergenerational community assemblies with cityResident asks for frequent community assemblies where the city shares information and residents create action plans with accountability, going beyond town halls and coffee hours.2026–27City-wide
- Library card ID usable for votingResident suggests automatically saving library card ID information so it could be used for voting, possibly making the process faster.2026–27City-wide
- City lending library for tools and equipmentResident asks for a city lending library of infrequently used, costly items like tools, art supplies and sports equipment.2026–27City-wide
- City adult education center like the former BCAEResident asks the City to replicate the closed Boston Center for Adult Education, offering low-cost or free classes, possibly with volunteer instructors.2026–27City-wide
- Free adult classes in Allston-BrightonResident asks for free adult programming such as home economics and crafting classes, to bring different cultures together to learn from each other.2026–27Allston
- Courses on anti-ageism and respect for eldersResident asks for courses addressing ageism, saying young people in Boston often show little respect for older people.2026–27City-wide
- $25,000 capacity-building grants for Boston nonprofitsResident proposes $25,000 capacity-building grants for Boston nonprofits or their fiscally sponsored groups, excluding churches, political PACs and higher education organizations, to help people where they are.2026–27City-wide