ULC awards honor members’ achievements in addressing community needs, leadership and urban development. The awards are presented annually at the group’s Leadership Breakfast, held in conjunction with the American Library Association’s Annual Conference. View our most recent winners.

Application deadline: Monday, March 2nd 2009

ULC/Highsmith Award of Excellence Established in 1994, the Urban Libraries Council/Highsmith Award of Excellence recognizes library programs or initiatives that exemplify the principles of positive youth development.  The award, sponsored by Highsmith Inc. since 1995, includes a $1,000 honorarium.

ULC Urban Player Award Established in 2002, the ULC Urban Player Award recognizes individuals in positions of library leadership who have provided substantive community leadership during the past two years. Established in memory of Betty Jane Narver, Chair of ULC's Executive Board at the time of her sudden death in 2001, this award underscores the vital role library leaders often take as "players" in the broad agendas of their cities and counties. The Urban Player Award includes a $1,000 honorarium.

ULC/ Joey Rodger Fund for Library Leadership Established in 2004, the ULC/ Joey Rodger Fund for Library Leadership fosters leadership development in the urban library community. A grant of up to $5,000 is awarded annually to provide financial assistance to a senior level library administrator for participation in a leadership program or other development opportunity. The fund honors Eleanor Jo “Joey” Rodger, who led the ULC from 1992 to 2004. The fund continues to accept donations from individuals and institutions wishing to honor Rodger’s significant contributions to the library industry.