The results are in! The REopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums (REALM) Project has published the third round results of laboratory testing on how long COVID-19 can live on five plastic-based materials commonly found in libraries. After five days of quarantine in an unstacked configuration, results show the virus was not detectable on storage bags or DVDs, but it was detectable on storage containers, plexiglass and USB cassettes.

Our Going Forward from the Pandemic action teams continue to work on developing techniques and strategies for libraries to address the pandemic head on as we enter uncertainty this fall. Explore our new web pages at urbanlibraries.org to learn more about the guiding questions and resources that are driving this work for our Race and Social Equity, Digital Inclusion, Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses and Partnering with Schools action teams.

This week, our "Faces on the Front Line" photo series highlights the great work of staff members from St. Louis County Library, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library, Edmonton Public Library, San José Public Library, St Louis Public Library, Mississauga Library, King County Library System and Johnson County Public Library.

We encourage you to submit any images or stories from your team's work on the front line of COVID-19 to media@urbanlibraries.org.

Earlier this week, PGCMLS kicked off a new virtual live event series highlighting the work of national bestselling and debut authors. Slated to appear are Prince George’s County native and National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds, Prince George’s County resident and national bestselling author Bassey Ikpi (who wrote part of her book at PGCMLS’ Bowie Branch Library) and One Maryland One Book author Lisa See.

ULC is pleased to welcome Johnson County Public Library and Sarasota County Public Libraries to our member community. Serving the residents of Johnson County (Ind.) for more than a century, Johnson County Public Library has worked to strengthen their community by connecting people, resources and experiences. The mission of Sarasota County Public Libraries (Fla.) is to offer equal access to information, foster lifelong learning and inspire community engagement.

Two additional ULC libraries have joined the Fine Free movement and reduced access barriers by eliminating overdue materials fines. Read the linked announcements below to learn more about these ULC member libraries who are now fine free.

ULC would like to recognize and thank our corporate partners for their support of our membership and the library field at-large. The missions and work of ULC's Corporate Partners align with ULC’s three strategic focus areas — education, digital inclusion and healthy, sustainable communities. Click here to learn more.