This Week at ULC
Newsletter | September 29, 2021
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2021 INNOVATIONS LAUNCHES THIS FRIDAY |
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We are excited to announce that ULC’s 2021 Innovations Initiative will launch this Friday, October 1! Starting in 2010, ULC's annual Innovations Initiative has recognized and raised the visibility of cutting-edge programs, strategies, tools, techniques and ideas from ULC’s entire membership. The awards program provides libraries a tremendous opportunity to tell your story and gain recognition for the huge impact you’ve made in your communities.
Entries should tell the stories of library programs, initiatives and transformative ideas that have either launched in the past 12 months or achieved significant breakthroughs during that time. An independent panel of judges will select Top Innovator and Honorable Mention award winners in each of the program’s 10 categories. Winners will be announced during a special event later this fall.
ULC looks forward to receiving submissions from each ULC library! Stay tuned to ULC communications for additional information later this week about the 2021 Innovations program.
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH |
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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, libraries across ULC’s membership are engaging their communities in activities that explore the lives, contributions and diverse traditions of the Hispanic culture.
All month long, we will highlight member library voices and work through our newsletter and social media. Below are just a few of the many amazing stories our members have shared so far:
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New York Public Library
NYPL hosted a virtual conversation with Latina writers, all of whom published new books this year. Writers included Carolina deRobertis, Naima Coster, Patricia Engel, Daisy Hernandez and Quiara Alegria Hudes. Learn more >
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Ottawa Public Library
Ottawa Public Library curated a special list of books for patrons highlighting recent fiction and nonfiction works written about Latinos and Latino Americans. Learn More >
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Paterson Free Public Library
Paterson City Council President Maritza Davila recently joined Paterson Free Public Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month Story Hour, reading "Alma y cómo obtuvo su nombre" by Juana Martinez-Neal. Learn More >
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Tulsa City-County Library Library
All month long, Tulsa City-County Library is encouraging patrons to contribute to a “Community Mural Project.” The goal is to create a large community mural honoring the legacy and culture of Latinx artists! Learn More >
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We look forward to sharing more highlights throughout the month! If you have suggested articles, blog posts or photos showcasing your events/programming, please be sure to send them to media@urbanlibraries.org.
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AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RESOURCES |
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$1.2 Billion in First Funding Wave for ECF
The FCC announced it is committing $1.2 billion to thousands of libraries and schools in the first funding wave for the Emergency Connectivity Fund. Learn more >
Second ECF Application Filing Window Now Open
The FCC has opened a second filing window for libraries to request future support from the Emergency Connectivity Fund program. Libraries can apply for funding from now through October 13 to cover broadband and devices for students and patrons who lack home internet access. Learn More >
SHLB Webinar: Navigating New Digital Inclusion Funding
On October 8, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition will host a webinar highlighting the various new federal funding programs available that have created exciting opportunities to address broadband inequities in U.S. communities. Click here to register.
Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act web page.
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Richmond Hill and San Antonio Go Fine Free
Richmond Hill Public Library, San Antonio Public Library
ULC member libraries continue to make the bold decision to waive overdue fines and late fees in an effort to ensure library access to all patrons. Read the linked announcements below to learn more about these libraries who are now fine free!
“Our library needs to be here for our community in hard times and eliminating fines is one of the many ways we’re adapting our services for our community, including pivoting to virtual programming and curbside pickups, expanding our digital resources and adding virtual reference desks,” said RHPL CEO Darren Solomon.
"Eliminating overdue fines is yet another example of the library’s dedication to providing inclusive and equitable access to library services for everyone,” said San Antonio Public Library Director Ramiro S. Salazar.
To learn more about the many library systems that are going fine free, click here to visit ULC's interactive map.
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Jersey City Welcomes Terry B. Hill as New Director
Jersey City Free Public Library
In late September, Terry B. Hill began his tenure as JCFPL’s new library director. For the last decade, Hill served as deputy director of library services for Durham County Library. "The past year has highlighted how critical libraries are and how our communities rely on our services. This is a challenging yet exciting time for libraries, and the JCFPL is well-positioned to meet and exceed our community’s needs and expectations,” said Hill.
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Meet ULC's Newest Member
California State Library
ULC is thrilled to welcome California State Library as the newest addition to our member community! The California State Library empowers the people of the nation’s most diverse and populous state by providing credible information services and supporting the state’s libraries through a variety of programs and services.
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Vax, Print, Proof Made Easy
Hamilton Public Library
Hamilton Public Library is working with Hamilton Public Health Services to enable patrons to print and laminate their proof of vaccination at each of HPL’s 23 branches — all for free. "Library and Public Health staff are available for questions and to help Hamiltonians get vaccinated and print and laminate proof of vaccination,” said Chief Librarian Paul Takala.
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FEATURED RESOURCES ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE |
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ULC HR Professionals Call
Member Group Call
October 4 | 3-4 p.m. ET
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ULC Analytics and Tech Leaders
Member Group Call
October 6 | 1-2 p.m. ET
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ULC Tech Leaders: Cybersecurity & Library Response
Member Group Call
October 13 | 3-4 p.m. ET
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ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
October 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET
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Simsbury Public Library
Thanks to Simsbury Public Library in Connecticut for being the latest library to sign our Statement on Race and Social Equity! Find out how 210 public libraries are actively working to foster a more just and inclusive world.
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Pictured left to right: Alexandra Hutchinson, a DC native, and her ballet partner Derek Brockington, both of the esteemed dance troupe, the Dance Theatre of Harlem. |
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DC Public Library
In celebration of DC Public Library’s newly-modernized MLK Jr. Memorial Library, watch this breathtaking video featuring a "librarian" and "patron" interacting throughout the central library. Both dancers are from the esteemed Dance Troupe of Harlem.
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