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Announcing Safe Routes to Libraries

Libraries are more than buildings—they’re gateways to learning, opportunity, and connection. Yet, for too many, physical and transportation barriers make accessing these vital spaces difficult and even unsafe. ULC’s Safe Routes to Libraries initiative addresses this challenge head-on, ensuring everyone has safe, equitable access to the transformative resources libraries provide.

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ULC Releases 2024 Library Insights Report with Latest Library Data & Trends

ULC is proud to share the latest urban library data and trends in patron engagement in the 2024 Library Insights Report. Informed by data collected in the second-annual Library Insights Survey, the report offers a data-informed view of post-pandemic performance for urban public libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Responses from 115 ULC member libraries, representing nearly 2,300 locations and serving over 87.5 million people, shaped this year's findings.

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Librarian Recommended, Teacher Approved Apps for Literacy & Learning

Together with Google Play, ULC is proud to introduce parents and caregivers to fun educational apps that provide children ages 12 and under with playful literacy activities and stories and rich entertainment for families to interact with each other. Digital play is prevalent, and having a safe and nurturing environment is critical for the well-being of our children.

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Shaping the Future of Libraries: A Recap of the 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum

Each year, the Urban Libraries Council proudly gathers public library leaders from across North America to explore emerging challenges and opportunities facing libraries. This past October, more than 240 library leaders gathered in Philadelphia, PA for the 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum, themed Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow. Read on for a full recap of the Annual Forum's activities, sessions and takeaways and see photos from the event.

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"A Guide to Engaging Elected Officials and Cultivating Library Advocates in Government"

Urban Libraries Council’s newest toolkit is crafted to help library professionals build strong relationships with elected officials, demonstrating firsthand the vital role libraries play in literacy, information access, and lifelong learning. It provides step-by-step guidance to plan impactful visits, including customizable outreach templates and a detailed checklist to ensure a memorable experience for visiting officials.

Access on the ULC Member Hub
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Leadership Brief: Effective Strategies and Models for Urban Libraries Addressing Homelessness

ULC's newest Leadership Brief is a compilation of best practices designed to help libraries better serve those experiencing homelessness in their communities. Informed by library leaders across the U.S. and Canada, the report recommends that community partnerships, staff development, and intentional physical design, can better support both unhoused patrons and the library staff who serve them.

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Announcing the 2024 Innovations Award Winners!

For 15 years, the Urban Libraries Council has proudly highlighted and honored our library members through the Innovations Initiative. We are so excited to announce the 2024 Innovations Awards Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions!

See the Winning Projects
2024 Top Innovators Homepage

Take Your Library to the Next Level with Edge 360

Edge 360 is a benchmarking and evaluation tool designed to help you assess your library’s current offerings, identify best practices, set strategic goals, and hold yourself accountable to meeting them. In addition to getting access to all the benchmarking and learning tools in Edge, subscribers get exclusive access to peer cohorts. Over six weeks, participants are guided through completing their self-evaluation while learning more about the topic and getting personalized support from an expert facilitator and their peers from around the country.

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ULC Members Featured in New Report on AI and libraries

ULC and the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) are partnering to examine how libraries can empower communities to better understand Artificial Intelligence and ensure its ethical design and application. The first report from this three-year research project is now available online, along with an interactive map.

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Leadership Brief: Countering Misinformation, Disinformation & Social Isolation in the Age of Generative AI

The rise of artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, has dramatically increased the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation in our daily lives. A new report from the Urban Libraries Council explores how libraries are tackling misinformation, disinformation, and social isolation in the age of generative AI. Learn how libraries can promote digital literacy and foster social connections to strengthen communities.

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ULC Publishes New Science of Reading Toolkit

At a time when reading proficiency levels for students in the United States and Canada are in a decline, libraries can play a critical role in advancing literacy and ensuring equitable access to quality education. To support this position, the Urban Libraries Council developed a Science of Reading Toolkit with guidance on implementing evidence-based reading strategies that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young readers.

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A Case Study on Public Libraries and Economic Vitality

How are libraries recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic? This is a big question that frequently guides the research conducted by the Urban Libraries Council. While libraries with a downtown location historically contribute a significant amount of steady foot traffic and daytime population and serve as trip attractions, has that been happening since the pandemic? ULC is sharing some of our preliminary research around the connection between public libraries and economic vitality in a new case study about what is happening at the DC Public Library, and its impact on Downtown DC foot traffic.

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ULC's Policy and Legislative Priorities

Through engagement with lawmakers in Congress and U.S. federal agencies, ULC is advocating for several key policy positions that center the critical role that public libraries play in urban communities. ULC’s advocacy strategy seeks to garner more support and funding for policies that strengthen and advance the essential role of public libraries.

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For over 50 years, the Urban Libraries Council has served as an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of more than 180 leading North American public libraries.

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Impact Stories

Discover how ULC member libraries invigorate and inspire public libraries on our blog.

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Newsroom

Find out the latest news and updates on the vital issues facing ULC members.

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Innovations

Get inspired by cutting-edge work that addresses key issues among the ULC membership.

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Edge 360

New benchmarks for anti-racism, digital equity, economic opportunity and education.

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Strategic
Focus
Areas

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Preserve Democracy

ULC believes libraries are cornerstones of democracy.

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Promote Education and Literacy

We believe libraries are critical to a knowledge economy and that education and literacy transform lives.

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Propel Economic Vitality

We believe libraries are fundamental to local economies, supporting the workforce and entrepreneurs.

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Advance Equity and Inclusion

We believe libraries are essential to helping all citizens realize their full potential.

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The Voice of Public Libraries

ULC provides a forum for library leaders to share best practices and innovative ideas that inspire programs that support 21st century learning, a strong economy and an active democracy.

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Find out how ULC membership empowers hundreds of leading library systems across North America.

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