Written by Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council

As we close out the first month of 2025, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary work you do each day. Public libraries continue to serve as pillars of democracy, access, and opportunity—yet we find ourselves in a moment of profound uncertainty.

Now, more than ever, our collective leadership must rise to meet these challenges head-on. ULC remains unwavering in our commitment to support you, advocate for the value of libraries, and provide the tools and networks needed to navigate these turbulent times.

Your ULC Network: Stronger Together

The strength of the ULC membership lies not just in our shared vision, but in the active support we provide one another. Throughout the coming weeks and months, we will continue to offer critical opportunities for collaboration, strategy-sharing, and leadership development, including:

Third Annual CEO Roundtable – June 1-3, Toronto Registration opens in early February for this premier gathering, where we will focus on Measuring and Amplifying Social Impact, featuring groundbreaking research from Toronto Public Library.

AI Skills Training – March 4, 11, 18, 25 With AI rapidly transforming the way we work, ULC is partnering with Mindstone and EBSCOlearn to offer tailored AI training programs designed for library leaders. Staying ahead of the curve on emerging technologies is no longer optional—it’s a leadership imperative.

Advocacy and Action in 2025 - As we face increasing federal concerns, ULC is working to ensure that decision-makers at all levels understand the irreplaceable role of libraries. Advocacy is a shared effort, and we will provide the resources and strategies you need to make a compelling case in your own communities.

Libraries as Anchors in Uncertain Times

With so much at stake, your leadership is more critical than ever. Libraries are not just responding to change; we are driving it. We are bridging divides, strengthening social infrastructure, and ensuring that every person—regardless of background—has access to knowledge, opportunity, and belonging.

Your teams and communities look to you for clarity and resilience. They need to see that libraries are strong democratic institutions, spaces where trust is built, and engines for progress. Now is the time to double down on our commitment, to demonstrate—through action—why libraries are indispensable.

As we move forward in 2025, let’s stand together in our shared mission. This is a moment that requires bold leadership, clear vision, and unwavering determination. ULC is here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, and the powerful work you do every day. I look forward to the impact we will create together in the months ahead.