This Week at ULC
Newsletter | September 22, 2021
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2021 INNOVATIONS LAUNCHES OCTOBER 1 |
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We are excited to announce that ULC’s 2021 Innovations Initiative will launch on October 1! Starting in 2010, ULC's annual Innovations Initiative has recognized and raised the visibility of cutting-edge programs, strategies, tools, techniques and ideas from ULC’s entire membership. The awards program provides libraries a tremendous opportunity to tell your story and gain recognition for the huge impact you’ve made in your communities.
Entries should tell the stories of library programs, initiatives and transformative ideas that have either launched in the past 12 months or achieved significant breakthroughs during that time. An independent panel of judges will select Top Innovator and Honorable Mention award winners in each of the program’s 10 categories. Winners will be announced during a special event later this fall.
ULC looks forward to receiving submissions from each ULC library! Stay tuned to ULC communications for additional information about the 2021 Innovations program.
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CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH |
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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, libraries across ULC’s membership are engaging their communities in activities that explore the lives, contributions and diverse traditions of the Hispanic culture.
All month long, we will highlight member library voices and work through our newsletter and social media. Below are just a few of the many amazing stories our members have shared so far:
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Barrie Public Library
The library’s Diversity Reads Kids - Voices of Hispanic Heritage book list includes selections for children that celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn More >
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Cleveland Public Library
Later this month, youth in Cleveland will be able to make art and explore the culture of Latin America in a hands-on series presented by Art Therapy Studio. Patrons can participate in-person, at home with a free art kit or online via the library’s YouTube page. Learn More >
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Olathe Public Library
Olathe Public Library is offering a special storytime for children where a selection of stories will be read aloud to attendees in Spanish. Learn more >
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Pima County Public Library
PCPL curated a special list of books for patrons on Latin America's struggle for independence and the history of Latinos in the U.S. Learn More >
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We look forward to sharing more highlights throughout the month! If you have suggested articles, blog posts or photos showcasing your events/programming, please be sure to send them to media@urbanlibraries.org.
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COMMUNITIES FOR IMMUNITY: FIRST ROUND GRANTEES NAMED |
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Central Arkansas Library System, Dallas Public Library, Mid-Continent Public Library
Today, the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the American Alliance of Museums announced the recipients of the first round of funding for Communities for Immunity. ULC is partnering on this new initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Communities for Immunity provides funding awards and support to museums and libraries engaging their communities to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence.
Awards range from $1,500-$10,000 and programs have a broad range of scope. Congratulations to ULC members Central Arkansas Library System, Dallas Public Library and Mid-Continent Public Library for being named as first round funding recipients.
Communities for Immunity builds on a number of ongoing library field efforts to activate engagement in vaccine confidence work, including REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM), a research partnership between OCLC, IMLS and Battelle.
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JOIN ULC FOR AN UPCOMING WEBINAR |
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Develop a Blueprint to Meet the Needs of Your Community: Learning from the Digital Navigators
September 28 | 1 p.m. ET
Join ULC on Tuesday, September 28 to hear leaders from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and King County Library System outline how the Digital Navigators model facilitates access to technology for learners of diverse ages, languages and abilities.
Staff from NDIA will offer best practices from this training curriculum and share information on how to access free, open and reusable documents and templates to replicate the Digital Navigator model in your community. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from King County Library System staff and a KCLS Digital Navigator to discover how the training was critical in rolling out the program successfully in their library and community.
Registration is free to ULC members and public libraries everywhere, yet registration is required.
Featuring:
- Paolo Balboa, Program Manager, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
- Dr. Audrey Barbakoff, Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager, King County Library System
- Thomas Swaner, Digital Navigator and Librarian, King County Library System
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AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RESOURCES |
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FCC Opens Second ECF Application Filing Window
The FCC has opened a second filing window for libraries to request future support from the Emergency Connectivity Fund program. Libraries can apply for funding from September 28 to October 13 to cover broadband and devices for students and patrons who lack home internet access. Learn More >
NLC Webinar: How Cities Can Use ARPA to Advance Digital Inclusion
On September 29, the National League of Cities will host a virtual panel focusing on how cities can use ARPA funding to promote digital inclusion and help their residents access digital inclusion programs. Click here to register.
SHLB Webinar: Navigating New Digital Inclusion Funding
On October 8, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition will host a webinar highlighting the various new federal funding programs available that have created exciting opportunities to address broadband inequities in U.S. communities. Click here to register.
Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act web page.
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Meet ULC's Newest Member
Hoboken Public Library
ULC is thrilled to welcome New Jersey’s Hoboken Public Library as the newest addition to our member community! Hoboken Public Library connects people with each other, ideas and opportunities to support lifelong learning, personal growth and community development.
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Hosting a Virtual Truth and Reconciliation Discussion
Markham Public Library
On September 30, Markham Public Library will host the first virtual session in a series of anti-racism talks and discussions. Curtis Vinish, a Tagalog & Métis from Treaty Six Territory, will lead the session and discuss anti-racism, decolonization and reconciliation. "In the finding of mass graves at residential schools across this country, I believe it is time for Canadians to dig deep and reflect on this nation they call home.” said Vinish.
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Pictured left to right: Library Director Greg Mickells, Madison BCycle General Manager Helen Bradley, Library Board President Eve Galanter and Foundation Executive Director Jenni Jeffress.
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Providing Patrons with Free Access to City Bikes
Madison Public Library
Through a partnership with the Madison Public Library Foundation, patrons can now use their Madison Public Library card to access one of over 300 electric bikes for free. Madison’s public bicycle sharing company, Madison BCycle, worked with the library to launch its Community Pass Program to bring equitable access to its bikeshare system for Madison riders and library card holders.
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How to Ensure Racial Justice & Promote Anti-Racist Leadership
September 29 | 2:30 p.m. ET
As communities everywhere recover from and move beyond the pandemic, the fight against racism is ongoing. The responsibility to lead the charge for the institutional reckoning and racial healing in today’s public libraries lies with library executives. There is no shortcut or easy solution for this work, and we all play a part. On Wednesday, September 29, Gale Cengage and ULC will host a panel entitled, How to Ensure Racial Justice & Promote Anti-Racist Leadership.
Join ULC President and CEO Susan Benton as she shares how leaders at the highest levels of North American libraries are openly and passionately dedicated to driving their institutions and communities forward. In this session, attendees will learn how to challenge and impact enduring racism, acknowledge their own biases and use leadership to dismantle systemic racism.
Featured speakers include:
- Susan Benton, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council
- Michael Lambert, City Librarian, San Francisco Public Library
- Brigitte H. Blanton, Director, Greensboro Public Library
- Dr. Rhea Lawson, Executive Director, Houston Public Library
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BRODART JOINS ULC AS NEW PARTNER |
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ULC is thrilled to welcome back Brodart as our newest ULC Corporate Partner. Since Brodart’s founder pioneered the book jacket cover in 1939, the company has focused exclusively on helping libraries better serve their patrons. Brodart's broad range of collection development/library services, supplies and furnishings and custom furniture are all tailored to the unique needs and perspectives of libraries.
The missions and work of ULC's Corporate Partners align with ULC’s three strategic focus areas — education, digital equity and healthy, sustainable communities. Click here to learn more.
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FEATURED RESOURCES ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE |
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The Indianapolis Public Library
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Chattahoochee Valley Libraries
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Develop a Blueprint to Meet the Needs of Your Community: Learning from Digital Navigators
Webinar
September 28 | 1-2 p.m. ET
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ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
October 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET
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ULC's Harmful Detours and Healing Redirects Framework
Check out our newest resource! Addressing key trigger terms, ULC’s Harmful Detours and Healing Redirects framework will help leaders grow alignment, surface misunderstandings and find paths forward through difficult conversations.
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