I know many of you are carrying a lot right now. The climate in this country, and beyond, is shaping staff morale, community trust, and the daily realities inside your libraries. In times like these, the relationships we have with each other matter most. Here are a few priorities I want to elevate this month at ULC...
As Congress returns from recess and refocuses its attention to the appropriations process, it must not lose sight of a decision that could fundamentally endanger American public libraries: whether to fund the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides states with vital grants that strengthen communities nationwide.
By Brooks Rainwater, President & CEO, Urban Libraries Council...
As office attendance has yet to rebound, central libraries are bringing people and energy back to city centers
Reconnect with ULC this summer through key opportunities to lead with impact. Register for the 2025 Annual Leadership Forum, invite your elected officials to visit your library during the August recess, and complete the 2025 Library Insights Survey to support national advocacy with powerful data.
In his latest message, ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater celebrates the energy and impact of ULC member libraries during the busy summer season. From dynamic programming to national advocacy, libraries are creating meaningful connections and driving change. He shares updates on key initiatives like the launch of the ULC Fellows Program, the debut of the ULC Academy Branch Managers course, and ongoing federal advocacy to protect IMLS funding.
ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater addresses the urgent threat to federal library funding following news that state library grants from IMLS may be cut in half for FY2025. ULC is actively meeting with congressional leaders across party lines to push back on these cuts, advocate for FY2026 funding, and highlight the essential role libraries play in education, workforce development, and civic life.
Written by Jenny Garmon, Consultant and Fellow, Urban Libraries Council...
There are young people in every community who could benefit from targeted programs and services. This interactive map overlays CYO member library locations with national youth disconnection data. You may use it to learn more about library programs to support opportunity youth that may be replicated in other communities.
"Taking on the role of Young Adult Coordinator for a library system was both a rewarding and challenging endeavor, especially stepping into a role that had been vacant. As the new system-wide coordinator, I had to reimagine young adult (YA) services to meet the needs and interests of our community while offering meaningful and engaging activities that aligned with our library’s mission to inform, enrich, and empower."
