"A coalition of North American public library organizations has released a joint statement aimed at the Big Five publishers and digital platform providers, calling on them to work with public libraries to address unsustainable ebook pricing models. On May 27, the Association for Rural & Small Li...

Contacts:Evan Ottenfeld (ULC): eottenfeld@urbanlibraries.orgLarra Clark (PLA): lclark@ala.orgULC, PLA, CULC/CBUC, COSLA, ARSL seek sustainable pricing for digital access for all readersAs community demand continues to ramp up, organizations representing the vast majority of North American publi...

"On May 27, five public library organizations from the U.S. and Canada released a statement, addressing the Big Five publishers and digital platform providers, in response to e-book pricing models. The Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Canadian Urba...

"Mesa Public Library is one of 10 libraries nationwide to receive $15,000 as part of the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). The program equips librarians to serve as civic learning facilitators and empowers young adults ages 18-24 to be active contributors...

Via Route Fifty: "Public libraries have evolved from traditionally supplying communities with books to expanding their selection of services to serve as health care hubs, lend musical instruments and offer cooking classes. Now, artificial intelligence-focused programs are another tool being offered ...

"In an era defined by rapid technological change, shifting economic realities, and evolving community needs, public libraries are quietly transforming. Far from being relics of the past, today’s libraries are dynamic civic anchors—centers of innovation, inclusion, and economic vitality. At the foref...

Via The Charlotte Observer: "President Donald Trump this month rolled out his federal spending pitch for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1. The plan calls for defunding the federal agency that supports libraries — the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The administration previously...

The Urban Libraries Council expresses its deep concern over efforts in Alberta to restrict access to resources in the province’s public libraries, and stands with the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAP Libraries) in condemning this library censorship. The changes represent “a level of provin...

From the City of Boise: "Boise Public Library has been selected for a $15,000 grant as part of the Civic Makers Lab for Adults initiative from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC). The grant, which was awarded to only 10 libraries in the U.S., supports the City of Boise’s Youth Roadmap, promoting civic...

"Officials with the Central Arkansas Library System said a grant announced on Tuesday would equip young people to be active contributors to their communities. "Officials said the $15,000 grant from the Civic Makers Lab for Adults is part of an initiative from the Urban Libraries Council. The program...