Via Route Fifty: "Public libraries have evolved from traditionally supplying communities with books to expanding their selection of services to serve as health care hubs, lend musical instruments and offer cooking classes. Now, artificial intelligence-focused programs are another tool being offered ...

Via The Charlotte Observer: "President Donald Trump this month rolled out his federal spending pitch for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. The plan calls for defunding the federal agency that supports libraries — the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The administration previously...

The Urban Libraries Council expresses its deep concern over efforts in Alberta to restrict access to resources in the province’s public libraries, and stands with the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) in condemning this library censorship. The changes represent “a level of provin...

From the City of Boise: "Boise Public Library has been selected for a $15,000 grant as part of the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). The grant, which was awarded to only 10 libraries in the U.S., supports the City of Boise’s Youth Roadmap, promoting civic...

"Officials with the Central Arkansas Library System said a grant announced on Tuesday would equip young people to be active contributors to their communities. "Officials said the $15,000 grant from the Civic Makers Lab for Adults is part of an initiative from the Urban Libraries Council. The program...

UAlbany's "The Engagement Ring" Podcast: University at Albany Center for Technology in Government Director Ramon Gil-Garcia and Research Director Mila Gascó-Hernández discuss the role public libraries are playing in empowering communities to help ensure that emerging artificial intelligence technolo...

From Pasadena Now: "The Pasadena Public Library announced Wednesday that it received a $15,000 grant as part of the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries. The library is one of 10 libraries nationwide to r...

Contact: Evan Ottenfeld - eottenfeld@urbanlibraries.org Initiative empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities WASHINGTON, DC - The Urban Libraries Council is proud to announce the 10 recipients of its Civic Makers Lab for Adults grant, an initiative that equips l...

Pilot partnerships between public libraries and local news organizations will engage community members in shaping local news, yielding a replicable model. WASHINGTON, March 24, 2026 — More Perfect, an American alliance dedicated to revitalizing democracy, today announced a partnership with the Urban...

From Library Journal: "The Carnegie Corporation of New York has awarded a $1,000,000, two-year grant to the Urban Libraries Council, to establish a national network of Civic Labs for Youth. "ULC member libraries with Carnegie-built branches will be invited to propose projects that encourage active ...