ULC Libraries Announce the Best Books of the Year
ULC Member Libraries

It's the most wonderful time of the year... for annual booklists! Across the ULC membership, libraries are releasing their "Best Books of 2024." Check out a few below!

• Toronto Public Library
• King County Library System
• Ottawa Public Library
• The New York Public Library
• Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
• Denver Public Library

Unveiling the Cardinals Care Bookmobile
St. Louis County Library

Earlier this month, the St. Louis County Library and the St. Louis Cardinals' charitable arm Cardinals Care unveiled a new bookmobile at an event hosted at local Bierbaum Elementary School. SLCL also released a limited-edition Cardinals library card to celebrate the new bookmobile. The new Cardinals Care bookmobile is wrapped with a colorful design celebrating baseball and literacy. Inside, there’s a collection of approximately 5,000 items featuring a diverse range of authors, genres and age levels.

“The Cardinals have been a longtime supporter of the Library,” said Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO. “Their investment in literacy has made a real impact on our community. Sponsoring a new bookmobile continues that legacy, and will help open up a world of discovery and enjoyment for students for years to come.”

Cardinals Care, the charitable arm of the St. Louis Cardinals, donated $200,000 to sponsor the new bookmobile in support of the effort to replace the current St. Louis County Library bookmobile fleet. In addition to the St. Louis Cardinals, Great Southern Bank, Emerson, and the James S. McDonnell Family Foundation have all made donations to sponsor new bookmobiles, which will be unveiled in late 2024 and 2025.

Read the full press release from St. Louis County Public Library.

Lincoln City Libraries Awarded Gold Level Accreditation
Lincoln City Libraries

Lincoln City Libraries announced last week that it has been awarded Gold Level Accreditation by the Nebraska Library Commission for 2024-2029. Libraries earn the award for excellence in library services and a steadfast commitment to the community. Accreditation ensures that public libraries adhere to service standards, providing benchmarks that validate the quality of library expenditures, practices, and programs.

“Providing excellence in library service has been the standard for nearly 150 years at Lincoln City Libraries,” Wieber said. “Gold level accreditation awarded by the Nebraska Library Commission recognizes the efforts and commitment of staff, the City, and the Library Board to ensure quality services that make a difference every day for Lincoln and Lancaster County residents.”

Gold Level Accreditation is the highest level of recognition administered by the Nebraska Library Commission and requires libraries to meet rigorous service benchmarks. LCL earned 263 out of a possible 285 points on the accreditation application, exceeding the 250-point threshold for gold-level status. Public Library Accreditation is valid for five years and allows the library to qualify for aid from the State of Nebraska.

Read the full press release from Lincoln, NE government.

Welcome, New ULC Member!
Wake County Public Libraries

ULC is excited to announce that Wake County Public Libraries in North Carolina is our newest member. Please join us in welcoming the Wake County staff during your member calls in the new year.

See a full list of ULC's members here.