Wishing a very happy #NationalLibraryWeek to all ULC members! National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Here are some stories and social media highlights we have seen this week from our members:

How Library Visits Create Daytime Foot Traffic and Promote Economic Vitality in Downtowns: A Case Study

A ULC Case Study on DC Public Library's Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

The Urban Libraries Council is frequently researching and examining the changing nature of libraries — and cities — in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While libraries with a downtown location historically contribute a significant amount of steady foot traffic and daytime population and serve as trip attractions, has that been happening since the pandemic? 

ULC is sharing some of our preliminary research around the connection between public libraries and economic vitality in a new case study about what is happening at the DC Public Library, and its impact on Downtown DC foot traffic.  

ULC’s emerging research indicates that the library should play a significant role in downtown activation plans. This case study offers just one example of the potential for libraries to serve as major factors in attracting steady daytime population and foot traffic in urban cores and downtowns. 

Learn More in This Month's CEO Message

Understanding the Connection Between Libraries & Economic Vitality

"In the nearly two years since I joined ULC as President and CEO, a big question that remains present in our work to strengthen and advance the essential role of public libraries is: How are libraries recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic?  ULC tackled this question in our inaugural Library Insights Survey, and also published a report last year — Libraries as Spaces for Innovation and Productivity — that explores the importance of congregation in a post-pandemic world. Today, I am excited to share some of our preliminary research around the connection between public libraries and economic vitality."

ON CAPITOL HILL

ULC continues to educate congressional offices about the essential role of urban libraries. One topic often discussed in our meetings is how public libraries are leaders in workforce development and economic opportunity. A key piece of legislation around this area is the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). ULC supports an expanded reauthorization of the WIOA to provide additional funding for public libraries around adult education programs, workforce training, and college and career navigation services. Learn more about this important piece of legislation on our Advocacy page. 

IN THE STATES

Several bills to counter efforts to institute book bans were part of state legislative sessions this winter. In Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee recently signed into law a bill that protects libraries as critical resources for their communities, and the Support the Freedom to Read Act in Maryland is heading to the desk of Gov. Wes Moore. There is also favorable momentum around freedom to read bills in Minnesota and New Jersey. 

“We are advocating now for legislation in the State of New Jersey, the Freedom to Read Act, which will entrust librarians to ensure their library collections reflect the communities they serve. The American public is with us, overwhelmingly opposing book bans and censorship.”

— Jennie Pu, Director, Hoboken Public Library 

Advancing Digital Equity Through Federal Programs and Library Partnerships

Webinar | Monday, April 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Join national library associations to learn more about how libraries will be leading opportunities created through the Digital Equity Act, which provides $2.75 billion to states through grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The webinar will feature a conversation between The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) along with public and state library leaders, who will share an update on their collaborations to bridge the digital equity gap. 

This webinar is co-hosted by the American Library Association (ALA), Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the Urban Libraries Council.

ULC Member Conversation: Big Read Best Practices

Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. ET

Join ULC peers for an insightful conversation exploring the power of community reads! Whether you're a seasoned participant or considering launching your first One City/One Book initiative, this discussion is for you. Library leaders from San Francisco Public Library, Chicago Public Library, and DC Public Library will share their experiences, covering everything from book selection to program design and funding. You will gain new ideas and knowledge for what makes a successful big read as well as possible mistakes to avoid.

Discover the secrets to a successful big read and gain valuable insights to make your community engagement initiatives thrive!

New Resource | Beyond Books: A Conversation Guide

A guide for library professionals to engage with the community about the changing role of public libraries.

This guide for library professionals is intended to support hosting community conversations about the changing role of libraries, highlighting community impacts and building local support. This resource would be best suited for branch managers and library leaders who are new to hosting community conversations. Users will find recommendations such as developing a project plan, suggestions for inviting community stakeholders, and tips for staying connected with local community leaders after the event. Also available within the guide are brainstorming worksheets, a printable discussion guide and sample outreach materials to get you started.

It was amazing to see how public libraries stepped up to prepare their communities for Monday's solar eclipse, from passing out eclipse viewing glasses to educating about safety protocols. Here are some of our favorite social media eclipse highlights this week!

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

Contact ULC's Communications Manager Elise Calanni at ecalanni@urbanlibraries.org.