This Week at ULC
Newsletter | July 14, 2021
ULC LIBRARIES CELEBRATE NATIONAL SUMMER LEARNING WEEK
From July 12-16, National #SummerLearningWeek celebrates the importance of keeping kids learning, safe and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year.

Below are just a few of the many amazing ways our members are offering innovating summer learning programming: 

  • Barrie Public Library is hosting a bilingual summer reading program for kids of all interests and abilities, celebrating Canadian authors, illustrators and stories. 

  • Calgary Public Library's “Ultimate Summer Challenge” encourages kids and teens to explore a galaxy of reading challenges, activities and exciting free programs.

  • Chattanooga Public Library is encouraging readers of all ages to explore the city and the library this summer with their "Make.Play.Read.Learn 2021 Great Reading Adventure."

  • Do Space created a digital “Summer Passport” for kids ages 3-13, encouraging them to code, make, learn and explore this summer.

  • Grand Rapids Public Library developed a “Super Secret Summer Reading Challenge” which is designed to encourage kids and teens to create their own summer adventure.

  • Markham Public Library’s virtual “TD Summer Reading Club 2021” engages kids throughout the summer enabling them to track their reading, join virtual Zoom meetups and attend author events.

  • New York Public Library is offering library book kits to at least 60,000 local children and teens to help them stay engaged during the summer season.
Discover Summer Online Portal
Through ULC’s new partnership with NSLA and InPlay, low-income families across the U.S. can locate and access summer learning opportunities through a new national program search engine and resource portal populated by data supplied by our ULC member libraries. With the new summer search feature, families can discover what summer programs are available, both in-person and virtual, right in their community. Access the search engine here: www.DiscoverSummer.org.
Our Time to Shine Social Media Campaign
In shining a bright light on summer, NSLA invites everyone to join in a special social media campaign entitled Our Time to Shine! and to share their stories of inspiration on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and/or TikTok using social media image frames available online here and the #SummerLearningWeek hashtag.

Revisit ULC Summer Learning Webinars
Access ULC’s two-part Summer Learning webinar series to learn how to develop a successful Summer Learning program tailored to your community as we emerge from the pandemic. 

Rethinking Summer Learning to Reverse the "COVID-19" Slide
San Francisco Public Library, St. Louis Public Library

Evidence-Based Planning for Summer Learning Success
Kansas City Public Library, Roanoke County Public Library
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RESOURCES
ULC continues to follow the developments around the American Rescue Plan Act and potential funding opportunities for ULC member libraries and the communities we serve. 

ECF Application Filing Window Now Open
Libraries can now begin to file applications for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. The first application filing window will be open for 45 days through August 13, 2021. Applicants will be able to submit requests for funding for purchases to be made between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. 

Attend an Upcoming Webinar
Funds For Learning will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, July 21, to walk through any updates and new insights on the Emergency Connectivity Fund. Register Now >

Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act Resources web page.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Expanding Outdoor Wi-Fi to Meet the Needs of Patrons
Suffolk Cooperative Library System

Suffolk Cooperative Library System has expanded their Wi-Fi system, allowing their libraries to offer free access to Wi-Fi outside library locations to ensure digital equity and accessibility during the pandemic. “Almost all 56 library districts in Suffolk offer similar coverage and some will apply for federal funding to move Wi-Fi further into their communities,” said Kevin Verbesey, Suffolk Cooperative Library System director.
City Librarian Joan Johnson Honored as Woman of Influence
Milwaukee Public Library

Congratulations to Milwaukee Public Library City Librarian Joan Johnson for being inducted into the 2021 class of Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence! The annual award recognizes and celebrates remarkable women in the local business community. Johnson will receive her award this week during a virtual celebration on Thursday, July 15. The public may register for free to view the awards ceremony. 
Picture (left to right): HPL Director Dr. Rhea Lawson, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Office of Business Opportunity Director Marsha E. Murray.
Encouraging Entrepreneurs to Launch Businesses in Houston
Houston Public Library

Earlier this month, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner kicked off the application period for the 2021 Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition in hopes of encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to help move the economy and city forward. Since its inception, the program administered by Houston Public Library has helped more than 12,000 Houstonians. HPL Director Dr. Rhea Lawson noted that the library “provides access to free and vital business and investment reference resources, market research, state of the art technology equipment with high-speed Wi-Fi and other valuable services such as fax and copy services and space for meetings and trainings.”
NEW ON THE ULC BLOG
How Howard County Library System's New Racial Equity Initiative Fosters Brave Voices, Brave Choices
Howard County Library System
Discover how Howard County Library System's new Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative is helping the library act on its commitment to move past statements and begin the work of creating a more just and equitable reality. The blog post was written by HCLS Director of Communications and Partnerships Christie Lassen and also features a quote from National Summer Learning Association's VP of Communications Laura Johnson, who serves on HCLS' Racial Equity Alliance.
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
Picture (left to right): Mr. Eric and Ms. Kristen, Mandel Public Library’s certified Homework Center teachers.
Providing Virtual Homework Help During the Pandemic
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mandel Public Library’s in-person Homework Center quickly transitioned to a virtual format while the library was closed in hopes of continuing to enrich the lives of local students. Expanding the program to a virtual platform has significantly increased the program’s effectiveness and provided this service to at-home learners.

The program, facilitated five days a week via Google Meet, is open to school-aged students. The library’s certified teachers promote academic improvement and enhance research skills while instilling a love of books, reading and libraries.

Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking work.

Click here to review all 260 submissions to the 2020 Innovations Initiative.
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
The Indianapolis Public Library
Lexington Public Library
Dallas Public Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Call
July 21 | 3-4 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
July 27 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Call
August 18 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
National Association of Counties, Prince George's County Memorial Library System

ULC President and CEO Susan Benton joined PGCMLS CEO Roberta Phillips to lead a discussion on the future of county libraries during this month's annual NACo’s conference.