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
- Nonprofit maker space in Hyde ParkResident proposes a nonprofit maker space with tools like laser cutters and sewing machines where people can learn skills and create projects, in diverse Hyde Park.2024–25Hyde Park
- Public safety event with speakers on resourcesHold an event on public safety where public speakers share information about available resources, with a goal of racial equality.2024–25City-wide
- App showing community resources and how to reach themThe resident asks for an app telling residents where and how to get local resources, especially limited or time-sensitive ones, and how to reach them safely.2024–25City-wide
- Earlier library hours and human rights programmingThe resident asks for all Boston libraries, including Roxbury, to open at 8am and to offer human rights book sections and monthly seminars.2024–25City-wide
- A library for ReadvilleThe resident asks for a library in Readville, possibly at the Phillips Brooks reading room, since reaching the Hyde Park library is hard without a car.2024–25Allston
- More Wi-Fi towersThe resident asks for more Wi-Fi towers to expand internet access.2024–25City-wide
- Phone charging stations for residents and touristsThe resident asks for electrical phone charging stations in public places, saying they would help both residents and tourists.2024–25City-wide
- Scam safety education for everyoneResident asks for scam safety education aimed at everyone, not just seniors, since anyone can be targeted.2024–25City-wide
- Digital literacy and technology accessResident asks for digital literacy programs and access to technology.2024–25City-wide
- Education on finding local resources and eventsResident asks for education on how to find resources, concerts, book readings and similar events.2024–25City-wide
- Youth computer training, free internet and laptopsResident asks for a youth computer training program, free internet for all youth and laptops for all BPS students so young people can learn and engage.2024–25City-wide
- Lending library of useful household itemsResident proposes a library where residents can borrow items like sewing machines and pressure washers instead of buying them, sharing communal resources.2024–25Brighton
- Welcome center for Allston-Brighton college residentsResident asks for a welcome center connecting Allston-Brighton's college students to the community, since they need services, have skills to share and often feel disconnected.2024–25Brighton
- Neighborhood resident volunteer programSet up a program where neighbors volunteer to help each other and improve the neighborhood, such as park cleanups, community sports, and yard work and snow removal for elders.2024–25City-wide
- Mobile resources including tool library and care vansFund mobile resources such as care vans, markets, school resources and a mobile tool library that the community can use.2024–25City-wide
- City-funded tool lending libraryFund a tool library where residents can borrow free tools, especially expensive ones like drills and saws.2024–25City-wide
- Free monthly economics courses in each neighborhoodOffer monthly free weekend 'Economics for Emancipation' courses in every neighborhood for immigrants, women and working-class people, creating a regular learning space.2024–25City-wide
- Transparent criteria for community organization awardsAsks what criteria the City uses to decide which community organizations receive awards, wanting merit-based selection rather than favoritism.2024–25City-wide
- Clear criteria for city grants and awardsAsks whether specific criteria and accountability exist for choosing grant, award and contract recipients, and proposes quarterly impact reports to prevent favoritism and reward merit.2024–25City-wide
- List of elected officials' accomplishments for votersCreate an easily accessible list of elected officials' accomplishments so residents can see who is effective at meeting constituent needs when deciding how to vote.2024–25City-wide