Member News Roundup | October 11, 2023
Oct 11, 2023
Celebrating Banned Books Week!
ULC Libraries
Our member libraries were very busy during Banned Books Week! Here are some ways our members celebrated:
Joining Books Unbanned: In addition to The Seattle Public Library, which joined Brooklyn Public Library's Books Unbanned initiative earlier this year, the Boston Public Library, LA County Library and San Diego Public Library announced last week that they are joining the well-known initiative.
Educating the Public: Jennifer Henecke, chief engagement officer for the St. Joe County Public Library, joined local 16 News Now at Noon to discuss the week and how the library highlights the value of free and open access to information.
Committing to Inclusivity: Many libraries, like Sonoma County Library and Dallas Public Library, used Banned Books Week to reshare their system's commitment to free expression and inclusion for all.
Introducing ULC's Newest Member
Lawrence Public Library
Join us in welcoming ULC's newest library member — Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, Kansas! LPL serves the City of Lawrence, and, through its membership in the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS), all of the citizens of the NEKLS multi-county regional library system. After a 2014 renovation, the Lawrence Public Library won the AIA/ALA Library Building Award in 2016. Look at that gorgeous space!
Learn more about Lawrence Public Library.
Supporting a $30M Investment in Increased Digital Access
Pima County Public Library
Did you know that in addition to Banned Books Week, last week was also Digital Inclusion Week? The Pima County Public Library has been hard at work for years supporting the Connect Pima initiative — a hugely important program as almost one in ten households in Pima County currently have no broadband or Internet access at all, and many more have poor connection speed.
In June, the county received a $30.3M grant to expand high-speed internet infrastructure and increase internet access for residents in unserved or underserved areas. The 5-year grant will fund the creation of a 134-mile open-access fiber ring around the county. The open-access network can be made available to any viable carrier at a reasonable price to build the necessary infrastructure to connect unserved or underserved areas of the county.
On advice for other libraries embarking on this initiative, Deputy Director of Support Services Michelle Simon says, "Start with one project. It might be as simple as checking out hotspots to students or working with an internet service provider to provide hotspots in community locations. Each project leads to something bigger and better.
Libraries on the "Front Lines" of Homelessness
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
“We are on the front lines,” said Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Director Paula Brehm-Heeger. “We always have been.”
A new article from The Cincinnati Enquirer highlights how the library provides services for people experiencing homelessness and works to improve circumstances. Staff is aware that people experiencing homelessness are among their most regular visitors – and all in on “meeting people where they are,” said Civic Engagement Coordinator David Siders. That puts Cincinnati in the company of 71% of U.S. city libraries “currently addressing” the needs of library visitors experiencing homelessness with some service, according to a 2022 survey by the Public Library Association. Another 15% of city libraries said they planned to do the same.
Over the past two decades or so, Cincinnati libraries have leaned in to those issues – sometimes providing direct service, more often providing connections to other governmental agencies. For kids, staff help with homework, keep order and sometimes offer snacks and meals. For adults, there is help to find jobs, pay taxes or get social services. During the pandemic, library visitors could get a COVID vaccine or help avoiding eviction.
Read the full article from The Cincinnati Enquirer.