As we close out 2025 and look ahead to an exciting year ahead for libraries, I wanted to share several important updates from the past few weeks and a few things you’ll want on your radar for early 2026!

Advocacy Update: Real Wins, Real Momentum

On the advocacy front, ULC is optimistic about several encouraging developments that directly benefit our work and the communities you serve.

As many of you have surely seen, a Rhode Island judge issued a permanent injunction restoring IMLS grants and stopping the executive order to dismantle the agency. While an appeal is still possible, this is an important victory, and we’re already seeing results! ULC’s Safe Routes to Libraries grant has been restored, and we’ve been able to restart planning with partners.

ULC has played a key role throughout this effort. We signed on to Democracy Forward’s amicus brief and shared member stories to help inform their legal work. Last week, I spoke with Publisher’s Weekly about why this ruling matters — not just for federal funding, but for the national recognition of libraries as essential civic institutions.

Equally encouraging, many of you saw our announcement regarding Microsoft. After nearly 18 months of ULC and PLA working directly with Microsoft leadership, we’re now seeing the payoff:

Microsoft will extend the enterprise 2024 Office suite and Windows licenses to all public library computers at no cost. This is especially significant for systems with large fleets of public access devices. Back-of-the-envelope math puts this at roughly $74 million in potential savings for libraries nationwide.

Even better: the program is now operational! At ULC’s recommendation, Microsoft created a dedicated support page for libraries to connect with specialists on this public access device offer. We’ve also published an FAQ for members to guide you through the process.

To everyone who has reached out, asked hard questions, and shared real-world examples — thank you! Our collective pressure moved this work forward.

If you have continued issues or need help navigating the Microsoft process, please feel free to contact info@urbanlibraries.org.

ULC Academy Registration Now Open

Quick ULCA update as you and your team start to plan professional development. Two ULC Academy live courses are now open for 2026 registration! We expect both courses to fill quickly, especially Branch Managers!

One course ULC is particularly excited about is the NEW! Leading Your Library’s Growth & Sustainability: Engaging Board and Staff in Fundraising Success

This four-part series from Due East Partners offers practical tools to strengthen fundraising capacity and deepen connections with donors and community supporters. No prior fundraising experience is required!

Leading Your Library’s Growth & Sustainability: Engaging Board and Staff in Fundraising Success Course lineup:

• Five Drivers of Growth & Sustainability — January 21
• Fundraising 101: Fundamentals — February 11
• Fundraising 2.0: Major Gifts & Planned Giving — February 18
• The Art of Fundraising: Know Your Donor, Shape Your “Offer” — March 4

You can register for the full bundle or choose individual sessions.
Member Rate Bundle: $1,200
Individual Sessions: $400

Second, our returning course for branch managers: Managing From the Middle: Branch Managers

This three-month experience proved to be one of the most in-demand offerings from ULC Academy in 2025! Designed for new or aspiring branch managers, it focuses on leading from the middle—supporting staff, navigating community needs and aligning with system-wide priorities.

I encourage you to share it with managers in your system who would benefit from this deep, practical learning. The cohort format is a huge value for participants. Live meeting dates (2–4 p.m. ET): February 25, March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 6 & 20

Click here for Managing from the Middle info and registration.

Thank you, as always, for your leadership and partnership. December is a busy time for all of us, but it’s also a moment to acknowledge the progress we’re making together, which is ensuring libraries remain strong, visible, and supported!