Through ULC’s Creating Youth Opportunities Initiative, 11 libraries participated in a peer-learning cohort and developed individualized program plans to specifically reach opportunity youth — those defined as young people between the ages of 16 to 24 years old who are disconnected from both school and work, frequently face challenging home or community environments.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library and Shreve Memorial Library are participating in the Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries​, an initiative in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council and Barbershop Books​ and supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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.

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.

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.

Throughout the month of February, ULC is highlighting member libraries that are celebrating Black History Month with creative programming designed to uplift, educate and honor.

Across North America, public libraries are stepping up as leaders of democracy and civic engagement in their communities. In the lead up to ULC’s 2022 Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy, ULC is spotlighting those courageous leaders in our Faces of Democracy campaign.

Discover how Toledo Lucas County Public Library's "Better Toledo: A Series" commits itself to the betterment of their community.

Learn more about the launch of the Luna Library, a special collection of children’s books within LPL’s catalog featuring titles by, for and about Black people named in memory of Kamaria Spaulding.

Jinnie Spiegler from the Anti-Defamation League outlines the impacts of book banning on children and the steps libraries can take to ensure free access to library materials.