Dear ULC Members,

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. My commitment is to listen first, learn from your experiences, and stand with you - pairing care for your teams with the tools, insights, and advocacy you need to lead well. Here are a few priorities I want to elevate this month at ULC:

Federal Advocacy and IMLS

The uncertainty in Washington remains a risk for libraries. We are actively monitoring news on the government shutdown and working with Cogent Strategies to identify how this would impact all of you. ULC is also in active conversation with federal leaders to protect and strengthen the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and to keep library needs in front of policymakers. We’re making the case with data and stories about how your systems are delivering local impact. I’ll continue to keep you informed and welcome your perspective on what federal priorities most affect your work.

The 2025 Annual Leadership Forum – Advocacy as Leadership

We’ll gather October 22–24 in Cincinnati, OH, hosted by the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library. The Forum is designed to help you, and your teams, focus on advocacy as a core leadership discipline, whether that means:

• Advancing your system’s growth (funding, staffing, visibility)
• Navigating civic and political spaces with clarity and confidence
• Using data and storytelling to shape decisions and strengthen your message

The Forum is time to step away from the daily grind, learn from one another, and leave with more insight on how to lead in politically complex environments.

Thank you to the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library for hosting us!

Showcasing Ingenuity – ULC Innovations

The 2025 ULC Innovations Initiative is underway! Your peers look to you for models and how you’ve adapted, where you’ve invested and what you’ve piloted. Submitting your most impactful work is a way to help the field move faster! Before the year’s end, we’ll highlight submissions across the Membership and recognize the Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions, offering both local and national visibility for your library’s leadership. Submit here →

Engage Your Team

Make sure your staff are plugged into the ULC network, by using the ULC Membership Checklist and finding professional development opportunities within the ULC Academy. A fully engaged team expands your library’s reach in the field and ensures you’re drawing on the best ideas and data available!

Libraries at the Heart of Reading

Finally, I was honored to be able to contribute an article to The Education Trust on the critical role libraries play in literacy ecosystems: “Libraries Are at the Heart of the Reading Ecosystem”. It’s a timely reminder of the larger public-good mission that ties our work together.

Thank you for leading with steadiness and compassion. If there’s something on your mind—team well-being, safety, funding, or community partnerships—please reach out.