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
- Chinese-language computer classes for seniorsResident asks for Chinese-language computer classes for older adults so they can learn new skills and manage better in the community.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Open libraries on SundaysResident asks for libraries to be open on Sundays.2025–26City-wide
- Free multilingual adult civics lessons at librariesResident proposes no-cost adult civics lessons at libraries citywide, in several languages, with top participants recognized by the Mayor, because many residents don't understand civics.2025–26City-wide
- Safe gathering spaces for people needing services libraries can't provideResident asks for funds to build safe spaces for people who need services that libraries and their staff cannot provide, since libraries have become a last stop for underserved people.2025–26Roxbury
- Free community financial education workshopsResident proposes free community workshops on budgeting, credit, saving and investing for underserved youth and adults to reduce economic disparities.2025–26City-wide
- Multilingual 'Financial First Aid Kits'Resident proposes free multilingual kits with guides on budgeting, credit and debt and a coaching hotline, distributed at libraries, to help people in financial distress.2025–26City-wide
- Free banking workshops in libraries and centersResident proposes free workshops on opening bank accounts and safe banking, with interpreters, child care and one-on-one help, to support low-income and immigrant residents.2025–26City-wide
- More Chinese books at Chinatown libraryResident asks for more culturally relevant books, such as Chinese-language titles, at the Chinatown library to strengthen cultural cohesion.2025–26ChinatownSubmitted in Chinese
- Promote community centers with open housesResident proposes advertising community centers on city property and vehicles and holding open houses so neighbors learn about and use these underused free social spaces.2025–26City-wide
- Boston Summer Games and cleanup competitionsResident proposes summer-long programming with block parties, litter cleanup campaigns and friendly competitions between neighborhoods and ages to connect the community and beautify the city.2025–26City-wide
- Pop-up hosts connecting residents to servicesTrain BIPOC hosts to guide residents to housing, mental health and youth services through pop-ups, flyers and storytelling, making city support more visible and trusted.2025–26City-wide
- Neighborhood history education, like Mattapan quarriesCreate neighbor education programs highlighting local history, such as the Mattapan quarries, to connect residents and help local businesses.2025–26City-wide
- Incentivized neighbor events in DorchesterUse incentives to organize community events like movie nights, game nights, a makers' space and home improvement classes so neighbors in Dorchester interact with each other.2025–26Dorchester
- Technology access and training in housing developmentsResident asks for technology infrastructure and training for all residents of housing developments to open access to wealth-building opportunities and generational support.2025–26City-wide
- Computer classes for low-income residentsThe resident asks for computer classes for low-income people so they can keep their skills current and access information directly.2025–26City-wide
- Public device charging stations near transit hubsResident asks for public charging stations for phones and devices, placed near transit hubs, to help unhoused people and others who lack access to power.2025–26City-wide
- Expand free public Wi-Fi near transit and parksResident asks to expand the city's free public Wi-Fi to more areas, especially near transit hubs, parks and predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods, to help unhoused and low-income people stay connected.2025–26City-wide
- Accessible tech lending library and digital access hubResident asks for a tech lending library and digital access hub so at-risk and low-income people can reach online housing, job and education resources.2025–26City-wide
- Pilot public Wi-Fi stations in neighborhoodsResident asks for pilot Wi-Fi stations in places like Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and East Boston so low-income people who cannot afford data can stay connected.2025–26City-wide
- More free internet in BostonResident asks for more free internet access in the Boston area to support education and technology use.2025–26City-wide