On June 15, 2023, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announced the election of Roosevelt Weeks, the Austin Public Library director and Texas Library Association’s 2023 Librarian of the Year, as the new Board of Directors Chair. Weeks was elected by a contingent of ULC’s 170 library members in the organization’s Annual Business Meeting.

Roosevelt Weeks has been the Director of the Austin Public Library since 2017, where he leads a dynamic library system of 20 branch locations, the History Center and a new Central Library. Just this year, Weeks was honored with the Texas Library Association’s 2023 Librarian of the Year award.

Prior to joining the Austin Public Library, Weeks was the Deputy Director and Chief of Staff at the Houston Public Library for over 10 years. He had previously acted as the City of Houston’s Chief Technology Officer. These roles clearly demonstrate Week’s passion for improving technology, literacy and education — both inside and outside of the library.

“I am honored by this opportunity and I am eager to begin this work,” said Weeks. “The Urban Libraries Council is a prestigious organization dedicated to advancing the vital role of libraries in communities in Canada and the United States. As the director of the Austin Public Library, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of libraries in enriching lives, fostering lifelong learning and building inclusive and equitable communities. Together with the talented professionals at the Urban Libraries Council and library CEOs, I am committed to championing libraries as essential and trusted institutions that empower individuals and bridge societal divides.”

“ULC is thrilled to welcome our longtime member Roosevelt Weeks into the position of Board Chair,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “Roosevelt’s expertise and vision will guide ULC’s future work, particularly in the areas of intellectual freedom, digital equity and entrepreneurship. We are privileged to have an award-winning leader and advocate for libraries like Roosevelt to lead our Board.”

As Board Chair, Weeks will lead a group of dynamic Board members to guide ULC’s mission of building a stronger and more equitable future for North American public libraries and their communities. Weeks will serve a one-year term as Chair, after which he will remain a ULC Board member as Immediate Past Chair.