"ULC 2024 Library Insights Report Shows Rebounds from Pandmic, Shifts in User Behavior"

Library Journal

Library Journal recently published an article spotlighting the Urban Libraries Council’s 2024 Library Insights Survey, featuring insights from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater and ULC Director of Research and Data Femi Adelakun. The survey, released on November 19, reflects data from 115 member library systems across the U.S. and Canada, representing over 87.5 million people.

“One of the most valuable pieces for our members is that they’re able to utilize it as they’re talking with their boards, city council, county boards within their library community,” Rainwater told LJ, “so they’re able to tell that full story of what’s happening within the public library field, how we’re bouncing back post-pandemic, and the trajectory ahead, and then being able to do that comparative analysis with like-sized libraries.”

Read the full article on Library Journal to explore more takeaways from the Library Insights Report and see how libraries are navigating a post-pandemic world and setting the stage for continued innovation in community service.

Upcoming U.S. Government Accountability Office Survey on the Conditions of Library Facility and Repair Needs

Survey Will Be Sent to a Sample of Libraries

In the coming days, some of you may receive an email request from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to complete a survey on library facility conditions. GAO has been mandated by Congress to independently review the facility repair needs of libraries and museums, which will result in a report made available to Congress and to the public.

GAO is conducting a survey to obtain the perspectives of libraries and museums on topics such as:

• Your building repair needs and challenges to making repairs, 
• To what extent your building’s current condition, storage, and size meet your needs, and
• Funding sources used in undertaking facility repair, among other topics.

GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that conducts research at the request of Congress. The purpose of this study is to make national estimates on these topics; it is not an audit of your institution. Your answers will be combined with others and presented in summary form in the report. You may request that GAO provide you a copy of the report as part of your participation in the survey.

GAO will be reaching out to a sample of libraries and museums, and we strongly encourage you to participate if you receive the survey. Not all ULC members will be contacted.

Your participation would provide important first-hand information to help inform Congress ahead of the reauthorization of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. If you have any questions or concerns about the survey or the study in general, please feel free to email Library_MuseumSurvey@gao.gov or Tania Uruchima at (202) 512-5112 or Jennifer Kim at (213) 830-1115.

ULC Librarian-Recommended Collection of Literacy Apps Featured in Google Play Store

November 14 through December 12

In today’s digital world, children’s apps have become an essential part of early learning, entertainment, and development. While library administrators play a significant role in choosing resources, frontline librarians, educators, and parents are the ones directly interacting with children, guiding them through safe and engaging digital landscapes. ULC is proud to partner with Google Play to curate a collection of high-quality Teacher Approved apps designed to enrich children’s lives while keeping their safety and learning top of mind. The ULC app collection is live on the Google Play store through December 12.

To supplement the app collection, ULC created an article and tipsheet to provide practical insights for both decision-makers and those who are hands-on with children’s learning journeys—public-facing staff, caregivers seeking trusted tools and educators fostering digital literacy. Access the article, tipsheet and app selections at the link below, and be sure to check out the Google Play store!

National Civic League 2025 All-America City Award

Letters of Intent Due by December 30

The National Civic League is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 All-America City Award! Since 1949, this prestigious award has celebrated communities that harness civic engagement, collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation to address local challenges.

This year’s theme, "Strengthening Environmental Sustainability through Inclusive Community Engagement," highlights communities committed to environmental sustainability. The League is looking for communities that actively involve residents, businesses, and government stakeholders in efforts to combat climate change and enhance community well-being.

Important dates to remember: Optional letters of intent are due by December 30, 2024, with final applications due by February 27, 2025. In March 2025, 20 finalists will be announced and invited to participate in the second stage of the competition in Denver, CO, from June 27-29, 2025. There, communities will present their efforts to a jury of experts for a chance to earn the title of All-America City! Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your community on a national stage!

For more details, download the 2025 application.

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

Contact ULC's Communications Manager Elise Calanni at ecalanni@urbanlibraries.org.