This Week at ULC
Newsletter | March 11, 2020
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
Tools for Libraries to Prepare Staff and Protect Patrons

ULC continues to closely monitor the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and its effect on our libraries' communities. Please visit our coronavirus web page to learn about helpful online resources for libraries, including examples from peer ULC members.

Please continue to share your library's sample statements and policies so we may highlight these resources in the member Knowledge Center, This Week at ULC newsletter, social media and other channels. If you have updates to share or any questions, please email ULC Director of Conferences and Community Engagement Colleen Bragiel directly.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Levar Stoney , Richmond Mayor; Scott Firestine , Richmond Public Library Director
Richmond Goes Fine Free
Richmond Public Library

In a move to increase library usage and accessibility, Richmond Public Library will no longer charge fees for overdue books. "Ending fines is an accepted practice that won’t put pressure on our system and will alleviate the burden on our most vulnerable Richmonders," said Mayor Levar Stoney.
Celebrating 150 Years Connecting Patrons Through Literacy
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Congratulations are in order as Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library commemorates 150 years of service to their community. The library is celebrating the milestone with a special events series, weekly social media posts about the library's history and the introduction of a150 th  anniversary library card.
Spring into STEAM Connects Kids to the Rainforest
San Diego Public Library

Earlier this month, San Diego Public Library launched their fourth annual Spring into STEAM science-focused workshops for children ages 9-12. Featuring “Go Wild!” as its theme, this year’s program focuses on educating young learners about rainforests and their wildlife. Mayor Kevin Faulconer said, "Our city libraries are giving San Diego’s youngest minds the chance to explore and innovate while preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Talking Urban Libraries on DCPL's Radio Podcast
DC Public Library

ULC President and CEO Susan Benton joined DC Public Library Director (and ULC Executive Board Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect) Rich Reyes-Gavilan on the library's DCPL Radio podcast last week. DCPL Adult Services Coordinator David Quick led the wide-ranging conversation which centered around issues facing today's urban public libraries. The discussion touched on ULC's race and social equity efforts and Statement on Equitable Public Access to E-Books, as well as DCPL's engagement in ULC's Strengthening Libraries as Entrepreneurial Hubs initiative.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
April 22 | 2-3 p.m. ET

Join ULC Development Professionals for an opportunity to connect with peers about messaging impact for "new to library giving" donors.
NEW ON THE ULC BLOG
Curbing "Islands of Disadvantage"
Fairfax County Public Library

Discover how Fairfax County Public Library made positive and aggressive changes to library policies, procedures and programs using an equity lens.
NEW IN THE ULC KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Johnson County Library
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Urban Libraries Council on Twitter

New data found that 65% of U.S. counties average connection speeds slower than the FCC's definition of broadband. Learn more in this National Association of Counties report ➡️ https://t.co/5JmNe7CYjr

Read more
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