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
- Community digital access with computers and printersResident asks for places like community centers where people can use computers and printers to build digital literacy, helping low-income residents, seniors, and students who cannot easily reach a library.2025–26City-wide
- Phone numbers for homeless and low-income residentsResident asks for help getting phone numbers for homeless and poor people so they can be reached for jobs and medical care, since Wi-Fi and Lifeline services fall short.2025–26City-wide
- Virtual community events for homebound residentsResident asks for virtual community events like museum tours and game nights so people who cannot leave home due to mobility or immune issues can connect and reduce isolation.2025–26City-wide
- Inclusion Center for people with disabilitiesResident asks for an Inclusion Center where people with disabilities and advocates can get information, share ideas and access resources, since society is often not built with them in mind.2025–26City-wide
- Free indoor community gathering spaceResident asks for a free indoor space where community members and groups can hold gatherings, events and meetings without restrictions.2025–26East Boston
- Public devices with free internet accessResident asks for publicly accessible phones or devices with internet, because lack of a device blocks job opportunities, including for homeless people trying to return to work.2025–26City-wide
- Open library branches on SundaysOpen library branches on Sundays to ensure equal access to information and literacy.2025–26City-wide
- Sunday library hours and weekend programmingOpen more libraries on Sundays and offer more weekend programs such as storytimes, since full-time working parents cannot attend weekday events.2025–26City-wide
- Mobile library for underserved neighborhoodsLaunch a food-truck-style mobile library in pilot neighborhoods offering books, digital tools and learning materials, to encourage youth reading and reach communities with limited resources.2025–26City-wide
- Library book drop or pop-up at City HallThe resident asks for a Boston Public Library book drop or pop-up branch at City Hall, citing Cleveland's city hall library as an example.2025–26Downtown
- Neighborhood tool lending librariesThe resident proposes neighborhood tool libraries where residents borrow tools and learn basic repair skills, avoiding the cost of buying equipment for one-time use.2025–26City-wide
- More free community events and services for everyoneThe resident wants more community services and free events for families, adults and youth, plus support such as housing help and food pantries, so everyone has access to services.2025–26City-wide
- Intergenerational skill-share hubs for seniors and youthResident proposes community center hubs where seniors share life skills and crafts and youth teach technology, building mutual respect and reducing ageism.2025–26City-wide
- Intergenerational lifelong learning hubsResident proposes learning hubs in community centers and libraries where seniors share crafts and wisdom with youth and youth teach technology skills, connecting generations.2025–26City-wide
- Free AI literacy and digital ethics workshopsResident asks for free neighborhood workshops in community centers and libraries to build practical AI literacy and understanding of digital ethics.2025–26City-wide
- Community website to navigate health care and basic needsBuild open, transparent community-based websites that help people find health care and basic living services in the city.2025–26City-wide
- Space for grassroots community organizationsThe resident asks for more spaces for grassroots organizations that run community programs and events.2025–26City-wide
- Affordable meeting space for local organizationsThe resident asks for more accessible, low-cost community spaces where local organizations can meet, collaborate and support residents, strengthening community ties.2025–26City-wide
- Mobile units helping low-income residents access public servicesResident suggests mobile units that visit neighborhoods to help people of limited means with public administration tasks and child care needs, and asks that grant money be held in an interest-bearing account open to donations.2025–26City-wide
- Community education on investing and building wealthThe resident asks for community education on investing and building generational wealth, to improve financial literacy.2025–26City-wide