We're excited to announce the latest article in our series on the Creating Youth Opportunities (CYO) initiative—a groundbreaking ULC program empowering 11 libraries to serve 222 communities and reach over 411,000 opportunity youth. The article, written by Memphis Public Libraries' Jamie Griffin, tells the story of MPL's opportunity youth programming with the input of local voices and leaders like Mama Maxine.

It explores how innovative library programs are tackling challenges like youth disengagement and economic disparity while creating real pathways for change. Discover how these initiatives are transforming communities and offering hope to our most vulnerable young people—read the full article now!

Want to learn more about "opportunity youth" and how libraries can best support this population of young people? Join ULC for a three-part webinar series about Creating Youth Opportunities. Whether you work directly with patrons or help shape strategic initiatives, these webinars will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the lives of opportunity youth.

• Teen Brain Development: How Libraries Can Better Serve Teens Through Understanding | April 22 at 3 p.m. ET
• Opportunity Youth: Understanding Our Communities’ Most Vulnerable Teens and How Libraries Can Serve Them | May 15 at 3 p.m. ET
• Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth | June 18 at 3 p.m. ET

ULC’s updated Business Value Calculator (BVC) helps libraries put real numbers behind the contributions of libraries’ business services—strengthening advocacy efforts and making a compelling case for continued investment. New in 2025, the updated BVC has inflation adjustments for accurate valuations, expanded metrics to better capture business support services, makerspace impact assessment and AI-generated insights for key takeaways.

Want to get a demo of the BVC and hear from ULC members about how they are using the tool? Tune into the Business Value Calculator Workshop on Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. ET to learn more about how to use the BVC and its 2025 updates, hear from library staff who have used the BVC to support their work, and have the opportunity to ask questions of ULC staff.

Featuring:

• Shamichael Hallman, Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity, Urban Libraries Council
• Jenny Garmon, ULC Fellow and Consultant
• Sarah Hendy-Jackson, Librarian II, San Diego Public Library

ULC is excited to introduce a new Member Community designed specifically for Branch Managers! 

Branch managers play a vital role in leading staff, engaging with communities, and ensuring smooth daily operations. This new Member Community provides a dedicated space for branch managers—both current and aspiring—to connect with peers, share best practices, and strengthen their leadership skills. 

By joining, members will gain access to: 

• A network of fellow branch managers from urban libraries across North America 
• Discussions on common challenges and innovative solutions 
• A professional development space to grow leadership skills and impact 
• Monthly calls to connect with other Branch Managers 

If you are a current or aspiring branch manager—or know someone who would benefit from this community—please share this opportunity: 

Creating Youth Opportunities Webinar Series

Three-Part Webinar Series | April 22, May 15, June 18

Join us for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to empower every member of your library team—from front-line staff to executive leaders—to better support opportunity youth in your community. Whether you work directly with patrons or help shape strategic initiatives, these webinars will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the lives of opportunity youth.

• Teen Brain Development: How Libraries Can Better Serve Teens Through Understanding | April 22 at 3 p.m. ET
• Opportunity Youth: Understanding Our Communities’ Most Vulnerable Teens and How Libraries Can Serve Them | May 15 at 3 p.m. ET
• Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth | June 18 at 3 p.m. ET

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

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.

Free Library of Philadelphia, Kansas City Public Library

"Thanks to our friends at @kclibrary for holding up their end of our #SuperBowlLIX wager!

Check out the link in our bio to see Abby Yellman, Director and CEO of the Kansas City Public Library, reading Symphony for a Broken Orchestra."

San Diego Public Library

"It’s not every day that baby sounds are heard in the #IDEAlab! 👶🏼🥰⁠ Meet the inaugural #SDPLMakeroftheWeek—Yessenia! For her very first IDEA Lab make, this new mom stopped by Central Library and 3D printed a useful accessory for her little one. ⁠"

Howard County Library System

"🌟 We're celebrating Women's History Month across all our branches. Glenwood's Teen Action Board (TAB) used their artistic talents to honor women of note, one snapshot at a time."

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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