Skip Navigation

Back to Navigation

All 2023 Innovations Now Live

Thank you to those members that submitted to ULC's 2023 Innovations Initiative! All submissions are now live in our Innovations library — view and be inspired by your peers' inventive work.

Learn More
All Submissions Live Homepage

Declaration of Democracy

ULC member libraries and supporting organizations are working to build policies and actions that preserve and protect democracy in our communities.

Sign Today
Declaration Of Democracy Homepage

Cornerstones in a Culture War

ULC continues to stand with and for North America's public libraries to fight for free information and access for all through initiatives like our Declaration of Democracy and the new Democracy Advocacy Group.

Read the Blog
Cornerstones Blog Homepage

Libraries Are Not Neutral

Hear from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater about the state of public libraries in March 2023 and how ULC continues to champion for democracy and the freedom of information through ongoing efforts.

Read the Blog
From The Ceo March Slider

Guiding Public Libraries in Racial Equity to Achieve Racial Justice

In order for libraries to move forward in racial equity, people of color must be truly heard, received and valued. ULC's Michelle Hamiel explores what it will take to achieve racial justice.

Read the Blog
Racialequityblogfeature

How Libraries Can Encourage Positive Community Experiences for Disabled People

Oak Park Public Library's Shelley Harris writes about programming, collections and outreach strategies that public libraries can adopt to encourage positive experiences for disabled community members.

Read the Blog
Oak Park Blog Homepage

"Food is a Right: Libraries and Food Justice"

ULC's latest white paper, “Food is a Right: Libraries and Food Justice,” addresses the current state of food insecurity across North America and the strategic role libraries play in addressing local needs.

Read the White Paper
Food Is A Right Homepage

ULC's Summer Learning Boot Camp Series

As part of the Building Equity: Amplify Summer Learning initiative, ULC invites members to participate in an informational boot camp series designed to support libraries as they work to amplify equity in summer learning.

Learn More
Boot Camp Homepage

Statement on Summer Learning

Summertime reveals significant inequities for many and the time to act is now. ULC joins the National Summer Learning Association in issuing a call to action on summer equity.

Sign Today
Statement On Summer Learning Graphic Ulc Homepage

For 50 years, the Urban Libraries Council has served as an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of more than 170 leading North American public libraries.

Learn More
Website Upcomingevents2

Impact Stories

Discover how ULC member libraries invigorate and inspire public libraries on our blog.

Learn More
News Homepage

Newsroom

Find out the latest news and updates on the vital issues facing ULC members.

Learn More
Website Focus Area Innovations

Innovations

Get inspired by cutting-edge work that addresses key issues among the ULC membership.

Learn More
Website Initiatives

Edge 360

New benchmarks for anti-racism, digital equity, economic opportunity and education.

Learn More

Strategic
Focus
Areas

Icon Learning

Education

Education transforms the lives of individuals and is the foundation for strong, economically vital communities. In the knowledge economy, the library is the learning institution ready to guide and support citizens at every age and level of need.

Learn More
Icon Digital

Digital Equity

Libraries are critical anchors for digital access and equity in local communities. For millions of people, libraries are their gateway to the digital universe and digital readiness.

Learn More
Icon Sustainable

Healthy, Sustainable Communities

Libraries are powerful partners for creating healthy, sustainable communities. With local government, business and other community organizations, libraries are key players in a strong economy, a healthy environment and racial/social equity.

Learn More

The Voice of Public Libraries

ULC provides a forum for library leaders to share best practices and innovative ideas that inspire programs that support 21st century learning, a strong economy and an active democracy.

Learn More About ULC

Interested in Membership?

Find out how ULC membership empowers hundreds of leading library systems across North America.

View Membership Benefits