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ULC’s 2023 Annual Forum — People, Power, Place: Today’s Urban Public Library — will charge members to explore and expand the future role and position of the public library in an ever-changing world.
For public library leaders, people, power and place are essential aspects that define their roles and responsibilities. Each element plays a significant role in shaping the library's mission, impact and community engagement. Forum programming will amplify these interconnected aspects that shape the leadership and impact of public libraries through thoughtful conversations, engaging activities, networking events and fireside chats.
Scroll down for registration details, event location, agenda information and programming updates.
Schedule-at-a-Glance
Programming will take place at the Grand Hyatt Seattle. The below information is subject to change. Please check this page regularly for updates.
Wednesday, October, 25, 2023: | |
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | CEO to CEO Session: Library and Foundation Executives Conversation and Discussion |
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Pre-Forum Session: What is Your Superpower? |
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | ULC Annual Forum Welcome Reception: Sponsored by Baker & Taylor |
Thursday, October 26, 2023 | |
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Networking Breakfast |
9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | Welcome Remarks |
9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Panel Discussion: Libraries as Place |
10:30 a.m. to Noon | Keynote and Workshop: The Urgency of Loneliness & the Opportunity for Libraries |
Noon to 1:15 p.m. | Networking Luncheon |
1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Futures Masterclass: How to Embrace Uncertainty |
2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Embracing AI Technology for Organizational Advancement |
5:00 p.m. | Member Reception at Seattle Public Library: Sponsored by Baker & Taylor |
Friday, October 27, 2023 | |
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Annual Forum Breakfast |
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Sessions and Speakers |
10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Panel Discussion: Libraries Stand Tall and Rising to the Occasion |
11:00 a.m. to Noon | Keynote: Advocacy Town Hall with ULC's Brooks Rainwater and ALA's Tracie D. Hall |
Noon | Adjourn |
Programming Updates
2023 ULC Annual Forum programming will amplify:
- Advocacy & Awareness
- Amplifying AI
- Foresight Master Class
- Leadership Principles
Speakers and sessions will be announced soon! Be on the lookout for ULC Annual Forum details in the ULC newsletter.
Contact
For questions about this year's Annual Forum, please contact ULC Director of Events Amy Weist at aweist@urbanlibraries.org.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
We would like to thank EBSCO for their generous support of the 2023 ULC Annual Forum!

We also thank Baker & Taylor for sponsoring the 2023 ULC Annual Forum Welcome Reception and Member Reception!