Over the past several months, I have had conversations with library leaders across North America that reinforce something important: public libraries continue to play an increasingly visible and essential role in our communities.
"With the spring recess behind us, I want to share a brief update on what we are seeing at the federal level. A recent court decision has preserved the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for now, maintaining current funding pathways. This reflects sustained advocacy across the field and what is possible when libraries engage with a unified voice..."
"Last week ULC joined partners from across the field for COSLA’s Voices for Libraries Day on Capitol Hill, meeting with staff from the House Education and Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on both the Republican and Democratic sides..."
In his latest message, ULC President & CEO Brooks Rainwater reflects on the strength of our shared leadership, the success of the 2025 ULC Annual Forum, and what’s ahead for ULC’s advocacy and data-driven initiatives.
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...
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.
