ULC Member News - January 15, 2025

ULC Member News

January 15, 2025

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Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your ULC Membership?

Don't Miss Our Upcoming All-Member Webinar

Discover the Full Power of Your ULC Membership

Webinar | Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Join us for a 60-minute webinar to maximize the value of your ULC membership! The Urban Libraries Council team will highlight key membership benefits, including access to Member Communities, Action Teams, toolkits, and the Data Hive. You’ll also learn about our advocacy efforts, networking opportunities, and professional development resources designed to support your library’s impact.

Whether you're new to ULC or reengaging, this is your chance to unlock the full potential of your membership—register today! A recording will be shared with all registrants.

- MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP -

Recent Stories From ULC Members

Remembering the LAPL Palisades Branch

Los Angeles Public Library

ULC joins the entire library community in offering our deepest sympathies and support to all those Los Angeles-area libraries affected by the recent wildfires. Yesterday, LA Public Library announced the devastating loss of its Palisades Branch Library, all the while continuing to offer much-needed support to Angelenos. "We have witnessed unimaginable devastation, but through it all, there have been inspiring stories of communities coming together." READ MORE.

"Q&A: Inside the Bookish World of One Local Librarian"

Free Library of Philadelphia

Philadelphia Magazine — "Tara Lynne Murphy has had several roles with the Free Library of Philadelphia. Currently, she’s in charge of LAMP, the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians. Readers across the state who are blind, dyslexic, or unable to physically turn pages rely on the service for large-print books, audiobooks, works in braille, and more." READ MORE.

"Calgary Public Library was 'well prepared' to handle October cyber attack, CEO says"

Calgary Public Library

Calgary Herald — “We were well prepared,” [Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah] Meilleur said, noting the library had learned from seeing other cybersecurity incidents at libraries, public organizations and businesses over previous years. “The protocol that we put in place is a big part of what we credit with the prevention of the loss of infrastructure, ensuring that no business, employee or member data was compromised.” READ MORE.

"ACPL honors Black Civil War soldiers with new exhibit"

Allen County Public Library

WANE 15 — Nearly 180,000 African American men fought for the Union in the Civil War. A new exhibit called “The United States Colored Troops” at the Rolland Center for Lincoln Research at the Allen County Public Library is honoring those soldiers. The exhibit is open now and spotlights the vital role Black soldiers played in the Civil War. It features Lincoln-era photographs, letters, documents, and art. READ MORE.

"Engaged? You Can Win a Free Wedding—at This Public Library."

Arlington Public Library

Washingtonian — Washingtonian bookworms seeking fairytale endings to their own love stories may find their answer in the halls where they’ve read about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. On July 12 this year, Arlington Public Library will be hosting one happy couple for a free wedding at its Central Library location. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 24. READ MORE.

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

Multi-Part Webinar Series | February through August

In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. The webinar series will cover the following topics:

The Public Library Was Not Always for Everyone
Self-Awareness & Reflective Leadership First
Auditing for Change: Understanding Systemic Inequities
Building Inclusive Organizations
Developing Diverse Teams
Leading Belonging Initiatives
Commitment and Accountability
Welcoming the Community Inside and Out

Learn More & Register

Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders - ULC Member Discount!

Webinar Series | March 25, April 1 and 8

Library Journal & School Library Journal Professional Development, in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council, is offering a 3-week online course, "Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders," on Tuesdays—March 25, April 1, and April 15 at 2:00 p.m. This course combines live and asynchronous content to guide participants through strategic community engagement, from self-assessment and relationship building to developing a strategic engagement plan.

ULC members qualify for a discount on this course. Learn more about the course and access the registration code.

Learn More & Register

GAO Survey on Conditions of Library Facilities

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 from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting participation in a survey on library facility conditions. Mandated by Congress, this survey aims to gather insights on building repair needs, challenges, and funding sources, with the results contributing to a public report informing Congress ahead of the reauthorization of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency, and your responses will be combined with others in summary form. If contacted, we strongly encourage your participation, as your input will provide critical information for this national study. Questions? Contact Library_MuseumSurvey@gao.gov or reach out to Tania Uruchima at (202) 512-5112 or Jennifer Kim at (213) 830-1115.