Integrating Library Early Learning Programs with State Systems

State governments throughout the U.S. are developing systems to support increased access to and participation in high-quality early learning opportunities. Public libraries have a long history of serving early learners, their families and caregivers - and must be "at the table" as this work unfolds. On Monday, August 4 (2:00-3:30 pm ET), IMLS and the BUILD Initiative are co-presenting a webinar that overviews work underway at the state level as well as strategies that libraries and museums can deploy to ensure their early learning programs are integrated with and aligned to state systems. Find out more and register here.

Libraries and Workforce Development

In a recent blog post to the library and museum communities, IMLS Director Susan Hildreth calls attention to groundbreaking legislation that Congress has passed in the form of the "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act". The bill recognizes the important role of public libraries in providing crucial job-seeking services in several ways. It affirms that public libraries are eligible for funds as One-Stop centers, providing a range of important job seeking services; recognizes the importance of libraries as centers for adult education and literacy services; and calls upon communities to fully leverage the resources of libraries as providers of digital literacy training. Director Hildreth discusses ways that IMLS will continue to advance libraries as workforce and economic development centers through public-private partnerships and grant funding.  

National Summer Learning Association Annual Conference: Be There!

Mark your calendar and start planning to attend the National Summer Learning Association's annual conference, "Summer Changes Everything," which takes place November 17-19 in San Antonio, TX. The conference theme is "Accelerate Learning" and the program will include interactive sessions that explore how high-quality summer learning activities advance community learning goals such as grade-level reading proficiency, STEM education, school transitions, college/career readiness and more.  As part of ULC's strategic partnership with NSLA, the agenda also includes programs that feature public libraries as summer learning leaders. Find out more, send your team and register today! 

Celebrating What Libraries Offer

In its "Money: Personal Finance" section, US News and World Report outlines "15 Things You Didn't Know You Can Get from the Library." The list encompasses a wide range that includes audio books and DVD, free admission to other cultural institutions, computer classes, household tools and access to electric car charging stations. ULC member libraries in Boston, Houston, Portland, OR and Durham, NC are called out! 

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!