Just Announced — Keynote and Workshop:

The Urgency of Loneliness & the Opportunity for Libraries

The U.S. Surgeon General recently cited libraries as a foundational pillar to strengthen our social infrastructure and combat loneliness. At the 2023 ULC Annual Forum in Seattle, we will address this urgency of loneliness and how libraries can be part of the solution.  

The Urgency of Loneliness & the Opportunity for Libraries

Thursday, October 25

10:30 a.m. to Noon

Dr. Jeremy Nobel, a Harvard physician, public health practitioner, and poet and founder and president of The Foundation for Art & Healing, will deliver a keynote address and lead a workshop for attendees.

He will address the urgency and opportunity of loneliness for libraries and how library leaders can immediately leverage their people, power, and places to address this crisis using the surprising power of creative expression.

Registration for the Annual Forum is now open. You can also reserve your room at the forum programming hotel, The Grand Hyatt Seattle, through a link on the registration page. Hotel reservations must be made by September 26. 

If you cannot make it to the Annual Forum, Dr. Nobel has a new book coming out on October 3 titled Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection. 

The Future is Now: Youth Voices Leading Change

Tuesday, September 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET

As state and local governments increasingly legislate and set policy limiting students’ access to books and information, young people are rising up to say “enough."

Libraries across the United States are finding ways to amplify teen voices in policymaking, ensuring everyone’s right to read and encouraging civic engagement. In ULC's upcoming webinar "The Future is Now: Youth Voices Leading Change," three leaders from across the country will share what they are doing to protect, preserve and advocate for First Amendment rights and freedoms. Hear from experts from Brooklyn Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library and Students Engaged In Advancing Texas.

Don't miss this expert-led panel discussion — See full webinar details and register below.

ULC Libraries Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month

It is great to see all the creative ways ULC member libraries are celebrating and promoting Library Card Sign-Up Month to your communities! Stay tuned to ULC's social accounts for highlights. Here are a few of our members' activations:

Jacksonville Public Library: In Jacksonville, Mayor Donna Deegan and the City Council made the awareness month official with a city proclamation, recognizing the importance of the public library.

El Paso Public Libraries: El Paso Public Libraries marked the beginning of Library Card Sign-Up Month with the release of a limited-edition library card featuring a design that celebrates the local spirit and culture of El Paso.

Carlsbad City Library: To promote new library card sign-ups, Carlsbad City Library is taking to social media to share all the benefits of a library card — like thousands of books, apps and e-content.

From the CEO: The Fundamentals of Learning and Building Community

ULC President & CEO Brooks Rainwater

"As we approach the change of seasons, it is a time to take root in the fundamentals of how libraries encourage lifelong learning and build community. From leading back-to-school programs, providing free entrepreneurial and creative resources and connecting with other leaders in the field, this fall is about laying a strong foundation for the year ahead."

Read ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater's full September message by clicking below.

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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