This Week at ULC
Newsletter | February 17, 2021
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NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK |
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This week, ULC is joining organizations across the U.S. in celebrating the vital role entrepreneurs play in building robust communities and stronger economic environments. Follow our #NatlEshipWeek Twitter thread for highlights of how ULC members are innovating to reach and engage entrepreneurs.
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
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Libraries across the U.S. and Canada continue to engage their communities in activities and critical conversations about Black history and culture, as well as the structural racism and bias that is deeply embedded in our societies.
ULC is proud to join this celebration by highlighting member library voices and work through our newsletter, blog and social media. Below are just a few of the amazing stories our members have shared so far:
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Alexandria Library is hosting a virtual discussion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech.
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Barrie Public Library is offering a Black History 365 collection featuring the ways black Canadians have contributed to cultural diversity and the prosperity of Canada.
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Columbus Metropolitan Library reached a new milestone in their scanning project, with the 100,000th digitized document chronicling the proceedings from the Ohio State Christian Anti-Slavery Convention.
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Forsyth County Public Library’s exhibit “Representation, Identity and Diversity” presents the work of two local African American artists who explore culture and identity in their art.
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Rochester Public Library is hosting a viewing and online discussion of the Black Men in White Coats documentary, which dissects systemic barriers preventing black men from becoming medical doctors.
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Richland Library is hosting STEM-U-Lated! — a special event for children and adults with Dr. Christopher Williams from the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. each County Library System
We look forward to sharing more highlights all month long! 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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ULC SUBMITS COMMENTS TO FCC ON NEW EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM |
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The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directed the FCC to establish the new $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which will provide discounted broadband service and connected devices to eligible households during COVID-19. In response to the Commission's request for comments on the implementation of this program, ULC President & CEO Susan Benton and Executive Board Chair Richard Reyes-Gavilan (Executive Director of the DC Public Library) submitted comments for the filing detailing how public libraries can help strengthen the EBB program and reduce barriers to participation.
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Pictured: A Keyspot teacher leading a digital literacy class. |
Enhancing Public Access to Address the Digital Divide
Free Library of Philadelphia
Through a new partnership with Verizon, Keyspot Innovation and Technology Centers will be upgrading the library’s collection of Keyspot public-access computers. Patrons will now have access to faster internet, more programming and updated devices.
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Closing the Education Gap for Spanish-speaking Adults
The Indianapolis Public Library
The Indianapolis Public Library is partnering with the Mexican Consulate to help the Latino community finish their basic education. Through a free program called Plaza Comunitaria, Spanish-speaking Hoosiers can study at their own pace with the goal of finishing their elementary and/or middle school education. “When you look at the employment market for Indianapolis and Central Indiana, it’s more important than ever that folks who want to advance have the skills they need,” said CEO Jackie Nytes.
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Pictured (left to right): Greater Spokane Incorporated’s Gary Ballew and Jessica Kirk |
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Helping Local Entrepreneurs Reach Their Potential
Spokane Public Library
After a period of dormancy due to COVID-19, StartUp Spokane is gearing up to expand its services through a new partnership with Spokane Public Library. Mark Pond, business research librarian at Spokane Public Library and a member of ULC’s Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses action team, said Greater Spokane Incorporated and the library have been working on plans to operate the StartUp Spokane program jointly. Pond will work to connect fledgling businesses with local agencies and resources, while GSI will manage StartUp Spokane’s events, programming and website.
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APL+
Austin Public Library
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Austin Public Library’s all-in-one video platform APL+ supports high-quality programming to meet diverse customer needs. The entire project was completed while all staff were working remotely, and more than 120 virtual programs are available on APL+. When cross-posted on social media, APL+ programs show a 300% increase in views beyond what is tracked on the library platform.
Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking work, which earned Austin Public Library a Top Innovator distinction for the 2020 ULC Innovations Initiative.
Click here to review all 260 submissions to the 2020 Innovations Initiative.
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Tips from the Innovators
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Embrace creative thinking: Allow and encourage staff to think outside the box. Evaluate your pre-existing in-person programming, and instead of simply recording a video of it, try to leverage the medium’s uniqueness.
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It’s OK to make mistakes: With the use of video editing, there is no need to record everything in one sitting.
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Be adaptable: After seven months into APL+, the library reconfigured and pivoted numerous structural components of the platform in order to better fit APL’s needs.
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Develop your skillset: Utilize online tutorials in video editing and sound engineering to develop staff skills, and conduct peer-to-peer learning sessions to create institutional knowledge.
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NEW ULC BLOG: MAPPING OUT KANSAS CITY'S ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM |
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Small Business Engagement Specialist Hadiza Sa-Aadu Pens ULC Blog Post
Kansas City Public Library
Learn how Kansas City Public Library's small business engagement specialist, Hadiza Sa-Aadu, helps entrepreneurs and small businesses get connected to the resources and partners they need. Hadiza is currently a member of ULC's Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses action team.
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NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE |
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Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
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Contra Costa County Library
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DON'T FORGET YOUR VALENTINE DISCOUNT FROM ADDLIBRA |
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AddLibra Bookstore Founder and CEO Michael Sherrod loves ULC, our members and our work — and not just because he is a former ULC Executive Board member! Michael's love for libraries and ULC is what led him to create AddLibra as a "prosocial alternative" for online book shopping. And, it's why AddLibra has pledged to donate 10% of its revenue to directly support ULC strategic initiatives.
AddLibra is offering a special promotion for ULC members – and your friends and family. Use the promo code ULCLOVE to enjoy a 15% discount (plus free shipping!) for all AddLibra book purchases through March 14.
"[AddLibra has] taken a page from libraries – our mission is to build a future where everyone has an equitable chance to learn, play, work and pursue their dreams,” said Michael Sherrod. “We’re thrilled to ... give back to libraries across North America by supporting the Urban Libraries Council’s critical research and programs.” |
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Chicago Public Library, San Francisco Public Library
USA Today highlights how overdue fees are going away at many public libraries amid the COVID-19 pandemic economic crisis.
Twitter.com
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