Hear from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater about ULC members' recent work to protect democracy. This blog features ULC's most recent leadership brief: Libraries as Cornerstones of Democracy.

Eleven representatives from leading libraries gathered in Washington, D.C. from May 31 to June 2, 2023, for a convening focused on developing program plans that will effectively serve opportunity youth. Opportunity youth are at the highest risk of involvement with the criminal justice system.

Hear from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater about the importance of libraries as physical convening spaces. Through creative development of these spaces, libraries can contribute to the wellness, civic engagement, and productivity of their communities.

There is a lot of work to be done in cultivating more equity in STEM careers. Who better than librarians to help move the needle, ensuring all of the patrons we serve have the ability to compete for jobs in the STEM field?

With the support of the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, the Urban Libraries Council is working to build a body of research on how libraries are working with African American youth. This initiative is called Creating Youth Opportunities.

Hear from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater about the underrepresented value of libraries as entrepreneurial hubs. Libraries are supporting the development of their patrons through one-on-one support, skill-building programs, premier public space and more.

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 Democracy Advocacy Group.

In order for libraries to move forward in racial equity, people of color must be truly heard, received and valued. A racially equitable library will have a framework or a strategic plan with a clear mission and vision.

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. By creating welcoming spaces and engaging programming, patrons can learn the importance of disability advocacy and pride.

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.