Democracy and Civic Engagement
Public libraries are critical cornerstones of democracy, and democracy’s future is diminished when people’s access to power, information, a diversity of voices and the ability to influence policy are restricted. The battle to protect democracy is a global struggle playing out at the local level and libraries have landed on the front lines.
ULC provides ongoing support to urban public libraries as conveners for and facilitators of civic engagement and civil discourse. With robust resources and opportunities for peer learning, ULC uplifts member libraries' efforts to fight misinformation and disinformation, encourage an active citizenry where all are engaged in creating an equitable and just society, and ensure community members free and open access to information.
Book Sanctuaries
Explore examples of ULC member libraries that are driving the Book Sanctuary movement. Launched by the Chicago Public Library in 2022, Book Sanctuaries are spaces that collect and protect endangered books, make those books broadly accessible, and educate others on the importance of intellectual freedom.
Building Community Trust Through Libraries
Public libraries are among the most trusted institutions in the U.S., providing spaces where people of all backgrounds can connect, learn, and build a shared future. Yet, in a time of increasing division, libraries play a crucial role in fostering social trust and civic engagement. To support this vital work, IREX, the Urban Libraries Council, and OCLC’s WebJunction are launching a national coalition of urban, rural, and tribal public libraries to equip library professionals with the tools they need to bridge divides and strengthen trust in their communities.
Declaration of Democracy
As leaders of North America’s urban public libraries, we must commit to preserving, protecting and advancing the highest hopes and ideals of democracy so all members of our communities may fully participate in the democratic process. Launched at ULC's 2022 Annual Forum, this declaration provides a baseline for building policies and actions that preserve and protect democracy in our communities.
Democracy Advisory Group
Every ULC library — in small and large ways — is organizing and contributing to civil discussions and programs that support a strong democracy. To best learn from one another, ULC is collecting descriptions of your efforts and making these available on this website.
Democracy in Action
Every ULC library — in small and large ways — is organizing and contributing to civil discussions and programs that support a strong democracy. To best learn from one another, ULC is collecting descriptions of your efforts and making these available on this website.
Fine Free Map
Across North America, many library systems have gone "fine free," ceasing or limiting their use of overdue materials fines to reduce access barriers. ULC created an interactive map to help you understand and learn from libraries that have gone fine free.
Promoting Civic Discourse in North American Library Systems
ULC is proud to launch a new initiative, Promoting Civic Discourse in North American Library Systems, in partnership with Everyday Democracy. Together, the Urban Libraries Council and Everyday Democracy will train up to 50 library leaders in multi-partial facilitation—a dialogue approach that promotes balance, equity, and inclusion by encouraging multiple viewpoints, addressing power imbalances, and challenging dominant narratives.
ULC Civic Makers Lab
The Civic Makers Lab is a grant and peer-learning program that equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators, and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors to their communities. Through experiential civic learning (the process of acquiring civic knowledge and skills through action), libraries will build new pathways for young adults into civic life, rooted in curiosity, connection, and community problem-solving, rather than partisanship.