This Week at ULC
Newsletter | January 27, 2021
ULC PETITIONS FCC FOR FUNDING TO CLOSE REMOTE LEARNING GAP
Susan Benton Quote
Earlier this week, ULC joined the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition in petitioning the FCC to allow libraries and schools to extend E-rate funded networks in support of home internet access for students and their families — without cost allocation.

This petition asks the FCC to issue a declaratory ruling that providing broadband service to students at home is eligible for E-rate funding and qualifies under the statute as an “educational purpose” during the pandemic. It also asks the FCC to make funding available to pay for service provision and to open a “Remote Learning” filing window as soon as possible to allow libraries and schools to apply for funding.

For more information, click here to view the joint press release issued by the petitioners. For recent updates on ULC’s Digital Equity leadership and advocacy efforts, please visit the ULC Digital Equity action team’s web page and read the ULC Leadership Brief on Digital Equity in the Age of COVID-19.
INNOVATIVE JOINS ULC AS NEW PARTNER
Innovative Interfaces
ULC is thrilled to welcome back Innovative Interfaces as our newest ULC Corporate Partner. Innovative, the global leader in library management solutions, creates connections between thousands of libraries and their communities. Innovative offers comprehensive solutions for library management, discovery, collection management and digital resources, integrating with the workflows and software libraries use today.

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.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
KPL Fine Free
Kitchener Goes Fine Free
Kitchener Public Library

In an effort to increase equity of library access within their community, Kitchener Public Library is the latest library to join the Fine Free movement. “It’s important that everyone has access to the same information, resources and support that we have to offer, regardless of their financial situation. Going fine free will support those in our community who need it most,” said KPL Board Chair Stephanie Soulis.
Todd Kyle
Brampton Welcomes Todd Kyle as New CEO
Brampton Public Library

Earlier this month, former Brampton resident Todd Kyle took the helm as Brampton Library’s new CEO. Kyle was previously the CEO of Newmarket Public Library and a past president of the Ontario Library Association. “I look forward to working with the staff, library board and city council on making the library an even more accessible, connected and integral part of the Brampton community," said Kyle.
Jacksonville Public Library StoryWalk
Providing a Safe Outdoor Activity for Kids
Jacksonville Public Library

Families in Jacksonville looking for a fun, socially-distanced activity can take their kids to nearby Klutho Park to enjoy the library’s new children’s StoryWalk®. “Tap the Magic Tree" by Christie Matheson is the second interactive story featured, with a new StoryWalk® book set to be installed every three months. 
DIGITAL NAVIGATORS UPDATE
Q&A with Javier de Juan Prado, Technology Assistant
Salt Lake City Public Library
ULC is connecting with Digital Navigators for one-on-one discussions of their work on the forefront of this exciting new initiative. Read the first interview in this series, featuring SLCPL Technology Assistant Javier de Juan Prado, to learn how Javier engages with the community to assess their digital needs and offers one-on-one support to those patrons in need.

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.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-248566-OLS-20.
ENGAGING YOUTH THROUGH STEM EDUCATION
STEM Pals
Communications Director Kelly Sitzman Pens ULC Blog Post
Pioneer Library System

Discover how Pioneer Library System used STEM education to engage youth and foster conversations about diversity, representation and empathy. Pioneer Library System is a member of ULC's Partners for Middle School STEM Peer Learning Cohort.
LIBRARIES RESPOND TO BIG AI
AI
Innovation Director Pam Ryan Speaks at Virtual Session
Toronto Public Library

On January 29, tune in to "Library Responses to Big A.I.,” a free virtual session sponsored by the Gigabit Libraries Network. Toronto Public Library’s Service Development and Innovation Director Pam Ryan will be speaking about TPL’s Digital Privacy Initiative, which focuses on giving individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate digital spaces without compromising their privacy and security. Pam is currently a member of ULC’s Digital Equity action team.
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
All-New Member Knowledge Exchange
New York Public Library
Anythink Libraries
Nashville Public Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
January 27 | 4-5 p.m. ET
ULC Deputy Directors
Member Group Conference Call
February 3 | 3-4 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
February 16 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
February 17 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Annie Weatherby-Flowers
Madison Public Library

Congratulations to Madison Public Library's Community Engagement Coordinator Annie Weatherby-Flowers, who was recently included on Madison365's list of Wisconsin's 51 Most Influential Black Leaders!

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