This Week at ULC
Newsletter | September 30, 2020
INNOVATIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 7
Innovations Deadline Extended
ULC members now have one more week to showcase their library's cutting-edge efforts and creative strategies by submitting to ULC's 2020 Innovations Initiative! The deadline for entries has been extended to Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Need some inspiration? Check out these winning entries from last year:
Austin Public Library 2019
Welding Class
Austin Public Library
Robotics in Libraries
Palo Alto City Library
ULC would like to recognize and thank Ingram Content Group for their support for this year's Innovations Celebration!
REALM PROJECT WEBINAR OCTOBER 8
REALM Project
Amid COVID-19, many libraries are expanding access to services in their communities. The challenges of reopening during a pandemic have led library leaders to inquire about the handling of materials and the management of building operations. On October 8, register for a REALM Project webinar to learn how some organizations are implementing new COVID-19 policies and procedures and get the latest update on REALM testing efforts.
GOING FORWARD FROM THE PANDEMIC
ULC's action teams have continued to convene and work on strategies for libraries to address the pandemic and its impact. Be sure to regularly visit our Going Forward from the Pandemic initiative web pages at urbanlibraries.org to stay up-to-date on the work of our action teams, including gaining access to updated lists of helpful resources.
FACES ON THE FRONT LINE
Faces on the Front Line September 30
This week, our "Faces on the Front Line" photo series highlights the great work of staff members from
The Indianapolis Public Library, King County Library System, San Francisco Public Library, Douglas County Libraries, Multnomah County Library, Prince William Public Library System, DC Public Library and Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library.

We encourage you to submit any images or stories from your team's work on the front line of COVID-19 to media@urbanlibraries.org.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Join Our Newest ULC Member Group
Library CFOs

ULC is excited to announce the formation of a new Member Group dedicated to Library CFOs. Members of this group will share, discuss and exchange financial oversight and organizational management practices and strategies. To join this Member Group, please email ULC Project Manager Matt Wims at mwims@urbanlibraries.org.
DCPL Virtual Reopening Celebration
Pictured left to right: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, DCPL Board Chair Gregory McCarthy, DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan, DC public school student Toni Jackson
Downtown MLK Library Reopens in DC
DC Public Library

Last week, DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan was joined by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other elected officials and library staff to kick off the reopening of the modernized downtown Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. After a successful three-year renovation, the virtual celebration highlighted the tremendous work to transform the library and featured the unveiling of the library’s new logo.
New Haven Goes Fine Free
New Haven Free Public Library

In an effort to increase equity of library access within their community, New Haven Free Public Library is the latest library to join the Fine Free movement. “Eliminating fines is an important step in ensuring that we provide opportunities for all,” said City Librarian John Jessen.
Hip-Hop Auction
One of the most prized possessions at the auction was the crown that Biggie Smalls wore on the famous 1997 King of New York photoshoot.
Sotheby's Hip-Hop Auction Benefits Library
Queens Public Library

For the first time ever, Sotheby’s became the first major international auction house to dedicate an entire collection to hip-hop. The auction of more than 120 items brought in $2 million, with a portion of the proceeds going to QPL’s hip-hop programs.
Libraries' Future
Beyond the Pandemic, Libraries Look Toward a New Era
Dallas Public Library, New York Public Library

The New York Times recently showcased the efforts of Dallas Public Library and New York Public Library to transform and adjust services during the pandemic. Both ULC members shared examples of how libraries, "the most trusted civic institutions," are in a good position to deal with the changing future.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Deputy Directors
Member Group Conference Call
September 30 | 4-5 p.m. ET
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
October 1 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Directors
Member Group Conference Call
October 1 | 4-5 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
October 7 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
ULC HR Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
October 19 | 1-2 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
October 20 | 2-3 p.m. ET
BANNED BOOKS WEEK
Banned Books 2020
Libraries around North America are planning events to highlight Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read and the value of free and open access to information. The annual event launched in 1982 in response to a number of challenges made to books in libraries, schools and bookstores.
KEY RESOURCES ON THE ULC MEMBER
KNOWLEDGE CENTER
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District
Baltimore County Public Library
Salt Lake City
Debuting next month, ULC's Knowledge Center will transform into the Knowledge Exchange with a modern, easy-to-use design featuring enhanced capabilities for members to share resources. Stay tuned for a full update soon!
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS
Race and Social Equity 184
James Kennedy Public Library

Thanks to James Kennedy Public Library for being the latest library to sign our Statement on Race and Social Equity! Find out how 184 public libraries are actively working to foster a more just and inclusive world.

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