This Week at ULC
Newsletter | March 18, 2020
ULC STATEMENT ON LIBRARY CLOSURES
Earlier this week, ULC issued a statement in support of public library closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to sending this statement to media contacts, we have also sent it to allied local/state government organizations including the National League of Cities, National Governors Association and International City/County Management Association. At the time of this newsletter, the National Association of Counties and the US Conference of Mayors have pledged to share the statement with their members.

ULC President & CEO Susan Benton is quoted in the statement:
 
“Closing facilities is not an easy decision for any public library. Libraries are proud to be the public’s most trusted institution, known for providing safe spaces. In upholding that role, libraries have kept their doors open through riots, natural disasters and other cases of extreme community need. However, the extraordinary circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic have created a unique situation and libraries’ best response is to help people of all ages engage in distance learning online, using e-books, audiobooks, web databases, streaming services and other digital media. In the weeks ahead, public libraries look forward to partnering with key institutions, including public schools, the Small Business Administration, local public housing authorities and others to help families, children and individuals carry on with their lives remotely.”
NEW ADDITIONS TO ULC'S CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE PAGE
Tools for Libraries to Prepare Staff and Protect Patrons

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our libraries' communities, ULC is working aggressively to help our libraries normalize their operations. Please visit ULC's coronavirus resource page , which now features an extensive (and growing) list of helpful links for specific areas of library operations impacted by COVID-19. These areas include the 2020 Census, explaining the virus to youth, resources for educators and mental health resources.

We currently have 154 library members who have closed their buildings to the public. ULC has created  an interactive map on the ULC website  that showcases the operating status of our members. Please continue to share your library's sample statements and policies so we may highlight these resources in the member Knowledge Center , This Week at ULC newsletter , social media and other channels.

If you have updates to share or any questions, please email ULC Director of Conferences and Community Engagement Colleen Bragiel directly.
MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS ENDS EMBARGO
Macmillan Publishers and Penguin Random House Announce Major Changes to Library Pricing

Marking an important victory in the fight for fair and equitable e-book access for libraries, Macmillan Publishers announced yesterday that they will end their controversial embargo policy effective this week. “There are times in life when differences should be put aside,” said CEO John Sargent in a  brief memo . “Effective on Friday ... Macmillan will return to the library e-book pricing model that was in effect on October 31st, 2019. In addition, we will be lowering some e-book prices on a short term basis to help expand libraries collections in these difficult times.”

Penguin Random House has also announced that they will discount the prices of e-book and e-audiobook titles sold through wholesalers to schools and public libraries. “In this time of unprecedented disruption, Penguin Random House wants to continue and to expand our unwavering commitment to public and school libraries the best way we know how: by making our books more accessible for educators and students, especially those engaged in remote learning, and to library patrons everywhere,” said Senior Vice President, Library Sales & Digital Strategy Skip Dye in a press release .

For more information and updates, please visit ULC's Fair E-Book and E-Audiobook Lending for Libraries resource web page.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
KCLS Is Here for You
King County Library System

In the midst of closures, public libraries are stepping up to stay connected with patrons. A new video ad from King County Library System spotlights their services available online, including e-books, audiobooks, databases, streaming music and more.
Keeping Kids Minds Active While at Home
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

With school out and kids spending time at home over the next few weeks, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is finding a way to keep them engaged. The library has planned a number of virtual activities, including virtual storytime, offering access to online video DIY tutorials through CreativeBug and streaming cartoons and kids shows via Kanopy Kids.
Helping the Homeless Community Find the Coronavirus Resources They Need
Oak Park Public Library

As libraries close their doors due to COVID-19, library staff can take simple steps to help the homeless in their community by positioning their library on the front lines. “Libraries should be at the forefront in working with city/village officials, social service providers, faith-based organizations and schools to create an emergency response plan for vulnerable citizens,” said Director of Social Services and Public Safety Robert Simmons.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Education Leaders Call
Member Group Conference Call
March 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET

ULC Education Leaders connect to discuss education programming and services during the coronavirus outbreak.
ULC Directors Call
Member Group Conference Call
March 22 | 4-5 p.m. ET

ULC Directors and CEOs connect with peers to discuss the coronavirus outbreak and its effect on their libraries and communities.
ULC Collections Call
Member Group Conference Call
March 30 | 3-4 p.m. ET

ULC Collection Leaders connect to discuss the recent coronavirus outbreak and its impact on their libraries.
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
April 22 | 2-3 p.m. ET

Join ULC Development Professionals for an opportunity to connect with peers about messaging impact for "new to library giving" donors.
ULC KNOWLEDGE CENTER
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
Saint Paul Public Library
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Urban Libraries Council on Twitter

❓ Library leaders: How is your library actively ensuring the sanitation of facilities and materials? #ULCChat #COVID19 🗣 Let us know!

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