This Week at ULC
Newsletter | January 13, 2021
NEW EDGE COVID-19 RECOVERY TOOLKIT
While public distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has begun, communities everywhere still face a long road ahead in overcoming the pandemic and moving beyond it. ULC member libraries who are Edge subscribers can access our new Edge "COVID-19 Recovery" toolkit to explore new and transformed challenges and roles for libraries. Providing concrete suggested strategies and inspirational case studies from diverse libraries, this resource is designed to help libraries move from reacting to COVID-19 to intentionally acting as a community leader.

Edge enables libraries to harness the power of data to make informed decisions, better serve their communities and clearly demonstrate their community leadership role. Edge libraries complete a year-over-year Assessment, which serves as a baseline to measure and demonstrate the performance of a library system as compared to similarly sized systems. Since its initial launch, more than 3,000 library systems have used Edge in the U.S., Canada and Australia.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Three ULC Members Go Fine Free
Hennepin County Library, The Indianapolis Public Library, Santa Clara County Library District

In the new year, public libraries continue to make the bold decision to waive overdue fines and late fees in an effort to ensure library access to all patrons during the pandemic. Read the linked announcements below to learn more about these libraries who are now fine free!

"We shouldn't fund libraries on the mistakes of others," said Hennepin County Library Chad Helton.

“By removing the barrier of fines, we are more equipped to provide resources and opportunities to all members of our community,” said CEO Jackie Nytes.

“Fines do not affect everyone equally. They pose a greater barrier for those who may have a greater need for library services,” said Mike Wasserman, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and chair of the Library Joint Powers Authority Board.
Hamilton Public Library Grab and Go
Staying Connected with "Grab and Go" Service
Hamilton Public Library

Starting today, patrons at Hamilton Public Library can request up to 10 materials that will be curated in a to-go bag by HPL staff. Once the bags are ready, patrons can safely pick up their collection of books, magazines, audiobooks and DVDs at the library. 
Montgomery Outdoor Wi-Fi
Providing Digital Access to Patrons in Need
Montgomery County Public Libraries

Patrons of Montgomery County Public Libraries can now access Wi-Fi outside 10 locations, with the free service available 24 hours a day in parking lots adjacent to library buildings. "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought greater awareness of the impacts of the widening digital disparity, which often deprives community members of opportunities to participate in important daily-life activities," said County Executive Marc Elrich.
TURNING OUTWARD: OUR ANTI-RACISM JOURNEY IN OAK PARK
Oak Park Public Library Turning Outward
Pictured (left to right): Manager of Teen Services Stephen Jackson; Manager of Public Safety Aaron Alonzo; Social Services Director Robert Simmons
Social Services Director Robert Simmons Pens ULC Blog Post
Oak Park Public Library

Discover how Oak Park Public Library took a deep dive over the last year into examining race and social equity in their organization and community. One of the first library social workers in the U.S., Robert Simmons started his role as director of social services and public safety in 2016. He is currently a member of ULC’s Race and Social Equity action team. 
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
All-New Member Knowledge Exchange
Nashville Public Library
Edmonton Public Library
Cambridge Public Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Directors
Member Group Conference Call
January 14 | 4-5 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
January 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
January 27 | 4-5 p.m. ET
DIGITAL NAVIGATORS UPDATE
Now being piloted by Salt Lake City Public Library and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the Digital Navigators service model positions trained individuals to provide phone-based support for issues related to the full spectrum of digital needs. Recently, Salt Lake City's local Fox station interviewed SLCPL's Digital Inclusion Coordinator Shauna Edson about the launch of this new program.

ULC will be connecting with Digital Navigators in the coming weeks for one-on-one discussions of their work on the forefront of this exciting new initiative. Stay tuned for the first interview in this series later this month!

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-248566-OLS-20.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
JCPL-to-Your-Door
Johnson County Public Library

With the new "JCPL-to-Your-Door" free contactless delivery service, patrons who are homebound can still access library materials from Johnson County Public Library! 

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