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 org...

Today, the Urban Libraries Council elected its 2023-2024 Board of Directors during its Annual Member Business Meeting. ULC members elected four newly named Board officers, including: Roosevelt Weeks (Director, Austin Public Library) as Chair Pilar Martinez (Chief Executive Officer, Edmonton Public L...

As part of a national partnership with Barbershop Books (BSB) and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (N.C.) and Shreve Memorial Library (La.) will host events on Saturday, June 3, 2023, to celebrate the launch of their Barbershop Books programs. The program aims to expa...

Today, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) recognized 16 North American public libraries as Top Innovators for transformative programs that enhance the library field to further equity, education and civic engagement for all. ULC announced the 2023 Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions during the live,...

Barbershop Books (BSB) and Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announce their partnership to expand reading opportunities for children in need through an innovative collaboration with four library systems: Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Shreve Memorial Library and Charlotte Meckl...

In a strong act of commitment to a more equitable society, 216 public libraries across North America signed the Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity. This statement serves as a baseline upon which libraries can build policies and actions that make their communities more incl...

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announces today the release of its latest white paper, “Food is a Right: Libraries and Food Justice,” which addresses the current state of food insecurity across North America and the strategic role libraries play in addressing local needs. Included in the paper are...

Today, the Urban Libraries Council issued a call to action that provides ULC member libraries with a baseline for building policies and actions that preserve and protect democracy in our communities. The Declaration of Democracy was released to ULC members during the closing session of the 2022 ULC ...

At this critical time in our history, public libraries continue to be on the frontlines of protecting democracy – ensuring core values of free speech and access to information for all. The 2022 Urban Libraries Council Annual Forum will convene leaders from over 75 major urban library systems across ...

While summer provides a time of tremendous opportunity, it is also a time of significant inequities for many children and youth. Today, the Urban Libraries Council, in partnership with the National Summer Learning Association, issues a Call to Action on Equity in Summer Learning. Libraries, partners...