At the heart of our communities, public libraries are breaking new ground every day. The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) is proud to showcase these changemakers through our Innovations Initiative, which has amplified transformative projects from our member libraries for 15 years. This year, we are proud that more than 100 ULC member libraries shared nearly 240 innovative ideas to be considered for award recognition.
To help libraries advance their literacy programs and ensure equitable access to quality education, 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
How does the increased need for e-book licenses in public libraries' collections mean higher costs? ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater addresses the need for fair and equitable access and pricing for e-content in libraries across the U.S. and Canada.
From May 19-21, 2024, ULC gathered more than 40 library directors and CEOs from across North America for our 2nd Annual CEO Roundtable. Held in partnership with the LA County Library and the Los Angeles Public Library, the event focused on strategies for public libraries’ responsiveness to the critical issue of homelessness.
Are you a public library leader who is eager to know where peer systems stand on questions related to operations and services? ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater encourages every member to participate in the annual Library Insights Survey.
How is ULC driving greater advocacy for urban libraries? Check out the latest blog post from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater the federal legislation and funding resources needed to empower public libraries to meet evolving community needs.
How are libraries transforming lives and strengthening communities? Check out the latest blog post from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater on the framework for public libraries to better serve — and transform! — their communities.
The beginning of the new year is often a time to set intentions, outline goals and chart paths for progress — be it personal or professional. At ULC, we are starting 2024 with a refreshed approach to the strategic priorities that will guide our work this year, and in the years ahead.
The Library Insights Survey serves as a guidepost for the resiliency of libraries and the bright spots they hold in our neighborhoods. This data demonstrates how libraries are strengthening their operations and purposefully serving their communities since the pandemic.
In the 15 months since I started as President & CEO of ULC, I have had the opportunity to talk to the leader of every library in our membership and visit many libraries in my travels. And for a few days at the end of October, we harnessed that rewarding energy of learning from each other at the 2023 ULC Annual Forum in Seattle.
