Urban Libraries Fellows Program - Registration Opening April 1
A Transformative Leadership Accelerator for Library Leadership
Library leaders across North America are calling for advanced, cross-sector leadership development that goes beyond traditional library paradigms. Libraries today navigate a complex landscape—marked by rapid technological shifts, changing public expectations, and increasing societal polarization. As foundations of democracy and anchors of community resilience, libraries have the potential to catalyze economic vitality, foster civic engagement, and drive equity-driven change. However, leaders consistently report a lack of structured opportunities to collaborate with outside experts, challenge entrenched norms, and adopt bold strategies for transforming their cities and counties.
In response, the Urban Libraries Council has developed the Fellows Program—a premier, year-long leadership accelerator designed to empower library executives to drive transformative change. Grounded in an innovation philosophy that positions libraries as catalysts for community progress, this program fosters visionary leadership, strategic risk-taking, and forward-thinking adaptability.
Led by Renowned Change Agents
The ULC Fellows Program is guided by two internationally recognized leaders in civic transformation. Together, they will equip ULC Fellows with actionable strategies to position libraries as hubs for social progress, economic opportunity, and civic trust:
Tommi Laitio
A globally respected expert on public life, cities, and public innovation, Tommi brings extensive experience in reimagining the role of civic institutions in fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.
Shamichael Hallman
ULC’s Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity Shamichael Hallman is a passionate advocate for civic health, social impact, and community transformation, dedicated to creating spaces that foster connection and collaboration.
This Year’s Fellows Theme: Libraries as Welcoming Public Spaces
As civic anchors, libraries have the power to bring people together—fostering dialogue, social trust, and inclusive engagement. In 2025, the Fellows Program will focus on redefining libraries as dynamic public spaces that promote belonging, bridge divides, and support community resilience.
Designed for directors, deputy directors, foundation leaders, and senior public service professionals, this program delivers the tools, insights, and network needed to drive transformational change.
Throughout the program, participants will learn directly from urban designers, placemakers, social entrepreneurs, and public policy leaders whose innovative approaches offer real-world strategies for reimagining library spaces.
Through interactive workshops, case studies, and applied learning experiences, fellows will:
- Explore how libraries create welcoming environments and cultivate belonging
- Learn from leading experts in urban design, civic tech, and social impact
- Develop frameworks to transform libraries into thriving, community-driven hubs
What Sets This Program Apart?
- Mentorship & Strategic Growth – Senior executives mentor emerging leaders to foster leadership continuity and organizational resilience.
- Hands-On, Applied Learning – Virtual coursework and one in-person convening ensure fellows gain immediately actionable insights.
- Access to a Global Thought Network – Engage in monthly expert-led sessions with award-winning library innovators and public sector changemakers.
Future-Proof Your Leadership & Library – Invest in Yourself
ULC Member Price: $7,500
- Covers two participants from your library
- An in-person convening (flight and hotel are not included)
- Full access to all expert-led sessions, workshops and coaching
- One waived fee registration for the ULC Annual Leadership Forum ($895 value)
Registration will open April 1, 2025.
Have questions? Contact Shamichael Hallman for questions about ULC’s Fellow Program.
Urban Libraries Fellows is an exclusive offering of ULC Academy.
