ULC Academy is Now LIVE!
This new learning platform from the Urban Libraries Council supports library leaders at all levels with dynamic, flexible professional development through live courses, self-paced content, and exclusive webinars. Our first live course offering, Managing from the Middle, is tailor-made for branch managers to sharpen leadership skills and build team confidence. Spots are limited – register for Managing from the Middle by July 1!
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Statement from the Urban Libraries Council on the Dismissal of Dr. Carla Hayden
A visionary leader, Dr. Hayden modernized the Library of Congress, expanded its digital reach, and championed access and transparency. Dr. Hayden worked tirelessly to ensure that this vital institution served not only scholars and policymakers—but all people, in every corner of our country. She also made history as the first woman and first African American to serve in the role—an appointment that carried deep significance for the institution and the nation.
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America’s Public Libraries Support IMLS
The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, the Public Library Association, and the Urban Libraries Council urge the administration and Congress to rescind this recent round of cancellation of grants to state library agencies, libraries, and museums. IMLS must continue to honor appropriated and statutory programs and grants as Congress intended.
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Introducing ULC Academy
We're excited to unveil ULC Academy, the Urban Libraries Council’s new learning management system, born from member feedback for more formal professional development. ULC Academy will offer accessible, practical training designed to equip library leaders with the skills to excel in today’s evolving landscape. Learn more about upcoming course offerings: "Urban Libraries Fellows" and "Managing from the Middle: Branch Managers." Platform opens May 20, 2025.
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Learn How to Better Support Opportunity Youth in ULC's New Webinar Series
Since 2022, the Urban Libraries Council has proudly led the Creating Youth Opportunities Initiative, a program that directly supports 11 participating libraries to reach more than 411,000 opportunity youth. Join us for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to empower every member of your library team to better support opportunity youth. This series brings together experienced library leaders and innovators who share real-world examples and actionable strategies tailored to the unique needs of vulnerable teens.
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Put Numbers Behind Your Library’s Impact—Explore the Updated BVC Today!
ULC’s updated Business Value Calculator (BVC) helps libraries put real numbers behind the contributions of libraries’ business services—strengthening advocacy efforts and making a compelling case for continued investment. Want to learn about how ULC members have used the updated BVC? See the new BVC Impact Report to read about seven ULC libraries that have used the updated tool to calculate their business services value—a total value of over $17 Million!
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Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series
In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. Participants will explore topics such as understanding library history, building diverse teams, and fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
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Register Now for the 2025 ULC CEO Roundtable
Registration is now live for the Third Annual CEO Roundtable, a transformative event exclusively for ULC Directors and CEOs. Join us in Toronto on June 1-3, 2025, for an immersive experience designed to elevate your leadership, expand your network, and redefine how libraries drive social impact in their communities. Space is limited!
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Announcing Safe Routes to Libraries
Libraries are more than buildings—they’re gateways to learning, opportunity, and connection. Yet, for too many, physical and transportation barriers make accessing these vital spaces difficult and even unsafe. ULC’s Safe Routes to Libraries initiative addresses this challenge head-on, ensuring everyone has safe, equitable access to the transformative resources libraries provide.
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ULC Releases 2024 Library Insights Report with Latest Library Data & Trends
ULC is proud to share the latest urban library data and trends in patron engagement in the 2024 Library Insights Report. Informed by data collected in the second-annual Library Insights Survey, the report offers a data-informed view of post-pandemic performance for urban public libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Responses from 115 ULC member libraries, representing nearly 2,300 locations and serving over 87.5 million people, shaped this year's findings.
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"A Guide to Engaging Elected Officials and Cultivating Library Advocates in Government"
Urban Libraries Council’s newest toolkit is crafted to help library professionals build strong relationships with elected officials, demonstrating firsthand the vital role libraries play in literacy, information access, and lifelong learning. It provides step-by-step guidance to plan impactful visits, including customizable outreach templates and a detailed checklist to ensure a memorable experience for visiting officials.
Access on the ULC Member Hub
Leadership Brief: Effective Strategies and Models for Urban Libraries Addressing Homelessness
ULC's newest Leadership Brief is a compilation of best practices designed to help libraries better serve those experiencing homelessness in their communities. Informed by library leaders across the U.S. and Canada, the report recommends that community partnerships, staff development, and intentional physical design, can better support both unhoused patrons and the library staff who serve them.
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Announcing the 2024 Innovations Award Winners!
For 15 years, the Urban Libraries Council has proudly highlighted and honored our library members through the Innovations Initiative. We are so excited to announce the 2024 Innovations Awards Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions!
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ULC Members Featured in New Report on AI and libraries
ULC and the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) are partnering to examine how libraries can empower communities to better understand Artificial Intelligence and ensure its ethical design and application. The first report from this three-year research project is now available online, along with an interactive map.
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For over 50 years, the Urban Libraries Council has served as an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of more than 180 leading North American public libraries.
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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.
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