This Week at ULC
Newsletter | February 12, 2020
ULC CALLS ON CONGRESS TO REJECT PROPOSED DEFUNDING OF IMLS
Proposed FY21 White House Budget Would Be Detrimental to Libraries, Museums and Communities

For the fourth consecutive year, the White House’s annual budget request has proposed eliminating funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services. On February 10, ULC President & CEO Susan Benton issued the following statement in response to the budget proposal.

“Continuous learning is a requirement for success in the 21st century. Now more than ever, our communities need – and indeed  our nation needs – educated citizens who have equitable and abundant access to knowledge resources. Libraries play an essential role in ensuring individuals from all backgrounds can reach their highest aspirations. The current administration is threatening to weaken our nation’s communities by eliminating IMLS and the fundamental support that it provides to libraries and museums. Our core democratic principles have no place on this chopping block. We urge members of Congress to prioritize education, digital inclusion and strong, healthy communities by rejecting the proposed budget cuts to IMLS.”
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
New Children's PlaySpace Opens in San J osé
San Jo sé Public Library

On January 31, San José Public Library welcomed community members for a special groundbreaking celebration for its new Wee Explore PlaySpace, opened in the Children’s Room of SJPL’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. This innovative new space invites young children to engage in exploration and hands-on learning experiences with custom structures and panels.
Fine-Free Initiative Honored by Province of Ontario
Brampton Library

Brampton Library earned the 2019 Minister’s Award for Innovation in the Large Library category for its initiative to remove overdue fines from children’s materials. Interim CEO Susan Bartoletta noted, "Our mandate is to be free and equitable, especially in a city where more than half our population is newcomers and there is a large low-income population."
Bringing Marginalized Community Members Together to Navigate the Digital World
Greensboro Public Library

Greensboro Public Library’s Learning Circles: Journeys into Knowledge project received a boost with the news that the library was selected by UNC Greensboro to receive a $15,000 “Cultivate Resilient Communities” grant. With this funding, the library will provide peer support to patrons participating in online study courses as they seek to improve their digital skills.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
February 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET

ULC development professionals connect to discuss effective library and foundation partnerships.
ULC Member Breakfast
Member Convening Held During PLA 2020
February 28 | 9-10:30 a.m. CT

ULC members are invited to a breakfast and discussion at Nashville Public Library during PLA 2020.
ULC-LED SESSIONS AT PLA 2020
Library's Role in Bridging the Middle School STEM Equity Gap
Panel Discussion
February 28 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT

ULC Director of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Blenkle leads a session designed to offer best practices for libraries to build middle school STEM programs and partnerships.
Leveraging Partnerships to Serve Immigrants and Refugees
Panel Discussion
February 29 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. CT

ULC Director of Communications Curtis Rogers moderates a panel of library leaders who will share best practices on how to leverage partnerships in serving immigrant and refugee populations.​
#ICYMI: ULC CYBERSECURITY WEBINAR
Why Cybersecurity Starts with Staff Training

Earlier this month, leaders from East Baton Rouge Parish Library shared insights and tips on how library staff can become more aware of cybersecurity threats. Webinar attendees participated in a lively discussion where they learned how to protect their network and prevent themselves from becoming victims of ransomware attacks and other cyber threats.

T his webinar recording is available FREE to ULC members! Watch the replay to make sure you are prepared and download the latest cybersecurity resources from our ULC Knowledge Center.
NEW CYBERSECURITY RESOURCES
ULC KNOWLEDGE CENTER
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
Urban Libraries Council on Twitter

Wise words from one of the great authors of our time, Toni Morrison. #BlackHistoryMonth

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