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This Week at ULC

Newsletter | January 4, 2023

NEW ON THE ULC BLOG

Ballot Wins for ULC Member Libraries

This past November, cities and counties across the U.S. voted on local ballot initiatives that would dramatically shift community services — local libraries in particular were poised to benefit from levies that would support the libraries’ funds, programming and development. As we kick off 2023, we are reflecting on some of our member library’s biggest wins on the ballot — featuring: Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System, Greensboro Public Library, Houston Public Library, Marin County Free Library, Oakland Public Library, Pasadena Public Library, San Francisco Public Library and Toledo Lucas County Public Library.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ULC

MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP

Becoming TikTok's Favorite Library

Milwaukee Public Library

Milwaukee Public Library was recently featured in a Today Show segment highlighting the library's wildly popular TikTok account! Their TikTok had 5 million views in the first month alone. The feature highlights Data Analyst Derek Reilly, Marketing Director Eileen Force Cahill and a few frequent stars of the videos themselves. The producers and stars of each of the Tiktoks have other full-time positions — all volunteering their time and talent to feature Milwaukee Public Library and its resources in creative ways.

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Allen County Public Library Goes Fine Free

Allen County Public Library

The Allen County Public Library has announced it will eliminate overdue fines for all ACPL cardholders. After introducing fine elimination to minors last year, the library saw a significant increase in in youth using the library and checking out materials. “The success we saw with Fine Free for Minors made it clear that our community wants our services, but shame and an inability to pay are very real challenges that many cannot overcome,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan Baier. “Now our patrons can walk through the doors, take advantage of the materials, make use of their tax dollars at work, and avoid the shame of overdue fines.”

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Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Welcomes First Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA)

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

After an extensive national search, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has announced the appointment of Deborah J. Rogers, Ph.D. as the Library’s first Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA). In this newly formed senior level position, Dr. Rogers will be responsible for the development, implementation and management of strategies to align library services, programs, practices and policies with the 127-year institution’s stated mission, values and IDEA principles.

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The Journey to Reconciliation

Milton Public Library

In its continued effort towards Truth & Reconciliation, Milton Public Library has implemented yet another equity leading, decolonising action with the adoption of 12 Calls to Action from the “A Journey to ReconciliAction” report released by the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic. The report interprets recommendations within the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) that can be undertaken by organizations at a local level, a key aim of Milton Public Library. The recommendations provide a thoughtful path to support the decolonization process and inspire positive community change towards Indigenization.

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WAYS TO ENGAGE WITH ULC

Our ULC Member Job Board is regularly updated as we learn of new positions that are open at our member libraries. Once you are logged into your ULC member account, you can access the Job Board link on the left side under “Member Hub.” And, if you have a job posting at your library, please email info@urbanlibraries.org and we will gladly add it to the Job Board!

The latest job postings:

Youth Services Manager - Dayton Metro Library
Teen Services Librarian - Dayton Metro Library
Children Services Librarian - Dayton Metro Library

ULC's Member Knowledge Exchange makes it easy for our members to build relationships and share transformative tools and ideas with ULC library leaders across North America. If you have a resource you'd like to share with other member libraries, please email info@urbanlibraries.org.

The latest resources:

Restorative Practices Toolkit | The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
WYSR Method for Addressing Incidents, Conduct Policy Guidance for Youth and Levels Explanation | Saint Paul Public Library
Q3 2022 Strategic Scorecard Report | Calgary Public Library

LATEST UPDATES ON ULC INITIATIVES

Declaration of Democracy

During the closing session of this year’s Annual Forum, ULC issued a call to action that provides member libraries with a baseline for building policies and actions that preserve and protect democracy in our communities. As leaders of North America’s urban public libraries, we must commit to preserving, protecting and advancing the highest hopes and ideals of democracy so all members of our communities may fully participate in the democratic process.

Read and Sign the Declaration

Statement on Summer Learning

ULC's Statement on Summer Learning serves as a baseline upon which libraries can build policies and actions that make their communities more inclusive and just.

Read and Sign the Statement