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 centers with wraparound servicesThe resident asks to invest in community centers or city institutions offering housing, substance use, mental health, job and food help, easing pressure on public libraries.2025–26City-wide
- Encourage civic and political involvementThe resident wants a program to get everyone involved in politics to advance and protect their interests, with few details given.2025–26City-wide
- Civics and political education at community centers for kidsResident wants community centers to teach children civics and political engagement so they understand they can change their communities.2024–25City-wide
- Free public Wi-Fi on transit and in parksResident asks for high-speed public Wi-Fi on public transportation and in parks so people who cannot afford costly data plans can access information.2024–25City-wide
- Educate residents about emerging technologyResident asks for a system to educate local citizens about new technology so all Bostonians can keep up and be on a level playing field.2024–25East Boston
- Community events fund for residentsResident asks for a fund that individual residents can apply to for hosting community events without needing nonprofit status or a sponsor, since accessible event funding is lacking.2024–25City-wide
- Library of Things pilot at BPLResident asks for a pilot Library of Things at the Boston Public Library, lending items like power tools and kitchen equipment that many residents cannot access.2024–25City-wide
- Scam safety education programsResident proposes scam prevention education through digital literacy classes, PSAs and ads in libraries, senior centers and the MBTA, to protect elderly and disabled residents who are often targeted.2024–25City-wide
- Teen app similar to Citizens appResident suggests a teen app like the Citizen app that shares emergency alerts, local happenings, fun places to go and accessible programs.2024–25City-wide
- Teen app for resources and opportunitiesResident proposes a teen app showing available resources, services, jobs, community events and service opportunities, since these are not well advertised to youth.2024–25Mattapan
- Neighborhood care awareness programs in parksResident asks for programs in parks and public spaces that raise residents' awareness about caring for the neighborhood.2024–25City-wide
- Open offices representing City HallResident asks for neighborhood offices that represent City Hall so residents can access services locally.2024–25City-wide
- Open a City office in East BostonResident asks the City to open an office in East Boston, bringing services closer to residents.2024–25City-wide
- Accessible community resource centerCreate an accessible community resource center to promote equity for immigrant and undocumented communities.2024–25East Boston
- Accessible community resources programCreate a program making community resources accessible to low-income communities and communities of color.2024–25East Boston
- Outreach and caseworkers to guide residents to programsResident asks for more education about existing programs and more community meetings and public places where caseworkers guide people through available resources.2024–25City-wide
- Grant writing workshopResident asks for an educational workshop on how to write grants.2024–25City-wide
- Tool lending library programResident asks for a city program lending home improvement and gardening tools and items like sewing machines, removing cost barriers to equipment used infrequently.2024–25City-wide
- 24-hour workspace with computers and flex spaceResident proposes a 24-hour workspace with computers and flexible space where entrepreneurs teach crafts like gardening, tea making, knitting or dance, so neighbors learn new skills.2024–25Mattapan
- Library lending of music, crafts, tools and techResident asks the library to loan non-book items such as music, crafts, tools and technology.2024–25City-wide