New data from Urban Libraries Council provides a snapshot of library services and operations since the pandemic began. Washington, DC — The COVID-19 pandemic immensely changed how public libraries operate and serve their communities. A new collection of data gathered by the Urban Libraries Council e...

New report from Urban Libraries Council examines how public libraries can lead the responsible use of AI. Washington, DC — Today, the Urban Libraries Council, an innovation and impact tank of North America’s leading public library systems, issued a new leadership brief that outlines five ways librar...

A new publication from the Urban Libraries Council highlights libraries’ ongoing efforts to safeguard democracy and urges all library executives to take a stand. Today, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) published a new Leadership Brief — Libraries as Cornerstones of Democracy. This timely publicatio...

On June 15, 2023, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announced the election of Roosevelt Weeks, the Austin Public Library director and Texas Library Association’s 2023 Librarian of the Year, as the new Board of Directors Chair. Weeks was elected by a contingent of ULC’s 170 library members in the org...

Today, the Urban Libraries Council elected its 2023-2024 Board of Directors during its Annual Member Business Meeting. ULC members elected four newly named Board officers, including: Roosevelt Weeks (Director, Austin Public Library) as Chair Pilar Martinez (Chief Executive Officer, Edmonton Public L...

As part of a national partnership with Barbershop Books (BSB) and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (N.C.) and Shreve Memorial Library (La.) will host events on Saturday, June 3, 2023, to celebrate the launch of their Barbershop Books programs. The program aims to expa...

Today, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) recognized 16 North American public libraries as Top Innovators for transformative programs that enhance the library field to further equity, education and civic engagement for all. ULC announced the 2023 Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions during the live,...

Barbershop Books (BSB) and Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announce their partnership to expand reading opportunities for children in need through an innovative collaboration with four library systems: Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Shreve Memorial Library and Charlotte Meckl...

In a strong act of commitment to a more equitable society, 216 public libraries across North America signed the Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity. This statement serves as a baseline upon which libraries can build policies and actions that make their communities more incl...

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) announces today the release of its latest white paper, “Food is a Right: Libraries and Food Justice,” which addresses the current state of food insecurity across North America and the strategic role libraries play in addressing local needs. Included in the paper are...