Welcome, New ULC Member!
Fort Worth Public Library

ULC is excited to welcome our newest member, Fort Worth Public Library from Fort Worth, Texas! Please give them a warm welcome and look out for new peers on your Member Community calls in the future.

View the full list of ULC members.

Presenting the Patrick Losinski Art Gallery
Columbus Metropolitan Library

Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has officially renamed its art gallery the Patrick Losinski Gallery in honor of its retiring CEO. Losinski, who announced his retirement in April, leaves CML after 22 years as CEO. His last day was Monday, Sept. 30. CML’s Board of Trustees recently announced that Lauren Hagan, CML’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018, has been hired to succeed Losinski as CEO. Her first day in the new role was Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Located on the second floor of Main Library, the gallery – formerly known as the Carnegie Gallery – features established and emerging Ohio artists. Supported by the Friends of the Library, it provides an opportunity to experience art in the library’s inclusive, welcoming setting. Exhibits are free to attend. Learn more at columbuslibrary.org/friends.

Read the press release from CML.

Banned Books at the Library: A Public Space for a Public Discussion
Cedar Rapids Public Library

The American Library Association says more than 4,200 different book titles were targeted for censorship last year — 259 of which were challenged in Iowa. There was only one ten years earlier. The topic of banning books isn’t something library staff are usually excited to talk about, but for banned books week, the Cedar Rapids Public Library said continuing conversations about the books it offers is crucial.

When you walk into the Cedar Rapids Public Lbrary, you’re greeted a display outlining the timeline of challenges to books throughout history, showcasing several titles that have come into controversy over the years. "‘Isn’t that interesting, oh my gosh I read that book as a kid I didn’t even know it was an issue’ and so having something in a public space meant for that public discussion is definitely what we’re trying to do,” said CR Public Library director Dara Schmidt. What Schmidt said is encouraging is that book ban trends are down a little bit this year. “Hopefully it’s going down because people are having more conversations,” Schmidt said.

Watch the story from ABC9 KCRG.

"O Lar" Exhibit Shows the Many Meanings of "Home"
Portland Public Library

Stepping off Monument Square and descending the stairs of the Portland Public Library, the space below gives the impression of entering a living room with art hanging on the walls. On Oct. 4, the annual illustration exhibit in the Portland Public Library’s Lewis Gallery opened, revealing interpretations of the theme of “home” by local artists hung amidst life-size line drawings of furniture on the walls of the gallery. The exhibit titled “O Lar,” which means “The Home” in Brazilian Portuguese, was curated and “furnished” by Portland illustrator Michaela Flint.

“A lot of people have different ideas what home is, and I’m so excited about the variety of different interpretations of that,” said Flint.

The Portland Public Library has held illustration shows annually for 11 years, with some exhibits showing multiple artists under a theme and other years displaying the work of a single artist. The annual illustration exhibit is displayed twice as long than other shows in the Lewis Gallery and is the show that most closely links books and art, said the library’s Gallery and Special Programs Coordinator Rachael Harkness. For this year’s show, Harkness put out a call for BIPOC curators and selected Flint from the applicants. “O Lar” will run through the end of December.

Read more via The Portland Forecaster.

A Community Gathering Place for All
Tulsa City-County Library

Although the library has been a resource for generations, Ellen Cummings — chief operating officer at TCCL — wants people to know that it's still a go-to resource in the digital age. In her 28 years working at the library, she’s seen a lot of changes. "The library has stayed relevant because people still need to know how to discern good information,” she added. Throughout the years, even her library card hasn’t changed.

Another reason the library has stayed relevant is all the programming it offers. Moreover, she added that “we are a community gathering place. We have 24 locations throughout Tulsa County, and each one of those is a place where people can come and use our meeting rooms, browse, and just be.”

Even in the digital age, adult literacy levels are still a challenge. One in six Tulsa County adults may struggle to read a prescription label, understand a news article, or enter complete information on an application, according to TCCL. Thankfully, TCCL has been trying to improve adult literacy for decades now through its Ruth G. Hardman Adult Literacy Service. It trains volunteers to work as one-on-one tutors with people 16 and older throughout the county in a highly personalized program.

Read the full article from 2News Oklahoma.

More Torontonians Are Using the Library
Toronto Public Library

Toronto Public Library is seeing a significant increase in the number of Torontonians using library services. A recent Forum Research Inc. survey reveals that 81% accessed services in the past year, a 13% increase from 2019. Among these users, 68% visited library branches in person, a 6% increase from pre-pandemic levels. While book browsing remains the primary reason for visits, usage patterns are shifting. Notably, access to technology has become an increasingly important draw.

The survey revealed a diverse cross-section of Torontonians use the library, and 93% of Torontonians agree that public libraries are an important resource for the community and support literacy. These results demonstrate that people are relying on public libraries more than ever and highlight TPL's critical role in addressing the digital divide.

"This surge of people using the library in Toronto demonstrates the growing importance of public libraries as community hubs and their critical role in addressing the digital divide," said Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library. “It’s encouraging to see that Torontonians view TPL as a vital part of the city’s social fabric, offering essential support for lifelong learning, literacy and social connection. These insights will be key in shaping our services to meet the evolving needs of our city and informing our next strategic plan.”

Read more key findings from TPL.