Urban Libraries Council

America’s Public Libraries Support IMLS

As the organizations that collectively represent public libraries in the United States, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council oppose the Executive Order calling for the gutting of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which will have disastrous consequences for America’s public libraries and their patrons across the country. We call on members of Congress to affirm the value of these community pillars by pushing the White House to rescind this order.

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Learn How to Better Support Opportunity Youth in ULC's New Webinar Series

Since 2022, the Urban Libraries Council has proudly led the Creating Youth Opportunities Initiative, a program that directly supports 11 participating libraries to reach more than 411,000 opportunity youth. Join us for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to empower every member of your library team to better support opportunity youth. This series brings together experienced library leaders and innovators who share real-world examples and actionable strategies tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable teens.

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Put Numbers Behind Your Library’s Impact—Explore the Updated BVC Today!

ULC’s updated Business Value Calculator (BVC) helps libraries put real numbers behind the contributions of libraries’ business services—strengthening advocacy efforts and making a compelling case for continued investment. Want to learn about how ULC members have used the updated BVC? See the new BVC Impact Report to read about seven ULC libraries that have used the updated tool to calculate their business services value—a total value of over $17 Million!

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Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. Participants will explore topics such as understanding library history, building diverse teams, and fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and respected.

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Ulc Homepage Creating A Culture Of Belonging

Register Now for the 2025 ULC CEO Roundtable

Registration is now live for the Third Annual CEO Roundtable, a transformative event exclusively for ULC Directors and CEOs. Join us in Toronto on June 1-3, 2025, for an immersive experience designed to elevate your leadership, expand your network, and redefine how libraries drive social impact in their communities. Space is limited!

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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"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

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!

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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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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 Priorities

Support the Urban Library Leader

Center the Transformative Role of Public Libraries

Drive Advocacy for Urban Libraries

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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