2015 National Medal for Museum & Library Service

IMLS is accepting nominations for the 2015 National Medal for Museum & Library Service, the nation's highest honor which celebrates the vital importance of high-performing cultural and learning institutions.

Each year, approximately 30 finalists are selected and then promoted by IMLS via a six-week social media and press campaign. The winning libraries and museums (five each) are honored at a White House ceremony and then host a visit from StoryCorps to capture the life-changing stories of individual community members. In addition to the visibility that finalist and winning libraries receive, the annual roster elevates the importance of libraries and museums everywhere.

The deadline for nominations is October 15, 2014. Find out more and tell your story! 

Re-Envision Our Public Libraries

Following months of passionate debate and citizen advocacy, Miami-Dade County Commissioners recently approved a slight increase to property taxes which, barring a mayoral veto, could expand the library's budget by $8 million over the previous year.

Alberto Ibarg�en, President of the Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, seized the moment to publish a vibrant editorial that calls upon citizens to re-frame their understanding of the library as the epicenter of digital access, learning and civic discourse. "Libraries have long been portals to new worlds, unlocking vast storehouses of knowledge. Now, in our digital world, when knowing things in real-time can spark an explosion of innovation, libraries are even more important. They're essential." Read more. 

Summer Learning on the Rise

As the 2014 summer learning season crests, the Afterschool Alliance reports that a forthcoming study, "America After 3PM" will demonstrate that participation in these important programs is on the rise: 33% of families report that at least one child participated in a 2013 summer learning program, up from 25% in 2009.   

More on Maker Spaces

New Scientist magazine features the burgeoning Maker Space movement in its new issue, calling out libraries as important community hubs for high-tech innovation and training. The article, "Books Out, 3D Printers in for Reinvented Libraries," mentions numerous ULC member libraries in cities such as Chicago, Sacramento, Denver, Detroit, Chattanooga and New York City.

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon points out that the library is integral to the city's plan to expand its importance as a center of advanced manufacturing in coming years. Importantly, the article highlights specific innovations that have emerged from Maker Spaces in Chattanooga and Sacramento! Learn more here.   

WE'RE HIRING

ULC has two staff openings in our DC office:

Communications Coordinator

Program Director for the Edge Initiative

Please share these position descriptions!