The 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum kicked off today in Philadelphia, PA! We are thrilled to have over 240 leaders from libraries across North America join us for three days of invigorating learning and discussions.

We would like to thank our event partners the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Free Library Foundation for cohosting this event, and our program sponsors Baker & Taylor, EBSCO, Group 4 Architecture, and Thriftbooks.

Stay tuned to ULC's LinkedIn for daily updates about our programming and featured speakers.

Effective Strategies and Models for Urban Libraries Addressing Homelessness

New ULC Leadership Brief Informed By 2024 CEO Roundtable

Public libraries across North America are increasingly at the forefront of addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness. In cities large and small, individuals and families find themselves without a permanent place to call home, so they seek refuge in our public libraries, where they can find resources, safety, and a sense of belonging.

So earlier this year, the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) convened leaders at our CEO Roundtable to discuss how a comprehensive approach—one that includes support for unhoused individuals along with policy advocacy and increased funding—can strengthen homeless services in libraries. This convening helped inform our latest Leadership Brief, which outlines best practices around community partnerships, staff development, and intentional physical design to better serve unhoused patrons and support library staff.

The brief features innovative strategies from Brooklyn Public Library, Calgary Public Library, Dallas Public Library, DC Public Library, Denver Public Library, LA County Library, Los Angeles Public Library, Salt Lake City Public Library, San Diego Public Library, and Spokane Public Library.

Libraries are uniquely positioned to lead change in this area. Download the brief and discover how libraries can make a significant impact at the link below.

How Libraries Can Use the Science of Reading to Support Children with Exceptional Needs 

Written by ULC Senior Advisor in Educational Equity Liz McChesney

Public libraries can leverage the principles of the Science of Reading to effectively serve children with exceptional needs by providing evidence-based, structured literacy programs that focus on the foundational skills of reading. By incorporating multisensory approaches (such as letter tracing in shaving foam or sand), systematic phonics programming, and targeted interventions for children with dyslexia, libraries can create inclusive learning environments that address the diverse needs of all children.  

Library programs can be tailored to support children with dyslexia and dysgraphia, developmental delays, neurodivergence, and other learning challenges, ensuring that every child can develop strong reading skills. Additionally, libraries can offer specialized resources, such as adaptive technology and personalized reading materials, to support individualized learning pathways, making each child feel understood and catered to. 

Libraries can learn more about the Science of Reading and how to support children with exceptional needs through the following resources: ULC Science of Reading Toolkit, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA), and the ULC Innovations Initiative database. 

How to Fight Book Bans: An Urgent, National Conversation

Sunday, October 27 | 5:00-6:00 p.m. ET

Join The Emancipator in partnership with PEN America and Banned Books Week for a powerful online gathering of activists, educators, and intellectual freedom advocates united in the fight against book banning. Hear from those fighting book bans throughout the nation! We’ll have strategies and tactics for protecting our right to read, as well as expert perspectives on the connections between book banning, racism, and the deliberate suppression of diverse perspectives.

Event Highlights:

• Special Guest: Bestselling author and historian Ibram X. Kendi, whose own works have faced significant censorship, kicks off our event with insights on the importance of literary freedom.
• Community Discussion: Hear from parent advocates, student leaders, and community organizers actively engaged in protecting access to books and ideas in their communities.

The expert panel includes:

• Claire Bennett, a parent advocate and a mentor to all nine chapters of the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO)
• Becky Calzada, a librarian and a co-founding member of Texas #FReadom Fighters
• Julia Garnett, a student activist and the youth honorary chair of the 2024 Banned Books Week
• Patricia A. Jackson, an educator and a co-advisor of the Panther Anti-Racist Union

This event is presented by The Emancipator in partnership with PEN America and Banned Books Week.

Don't miss this chance to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to stand up against book banning in your community. Whether you're a concerned citizen, educator, student, or seasoned activist, this national convening will equip you with the resources to make a difference.

ULC Convenes Experts for the 2024 Civic Health Virtual Summit

Empowering Libraries to Strengthen Civic Health and Democracy

The Urban Libraries Council's (ULC) Virtual Summit: Empowering Libraries to Strengthen Civic Health and Democracy, held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, brought together leaders and innovators from the public library sector to examine the essential role libraries play in fostering civic health and strengthening democracy. The event began with opening remarks from ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater, who emphasized how libraries serve as crucial platforms for civic engagement.

From providing unbiased election information to fostering safe spaces for public discourse, libraries are not just information hubs—they are defenders of democracy. Throughout the two-hour virtual summit, our panelists explored how libraries lead efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation, promote race equity, and foster socioeconomic mixing. Discussions highlighted libraries’ vital role in combating misinformation, encouraging voter participation, and supporting marginalized communities.

Read on for a recap of the Virtual Summit sessions and access recordings of the discussions.

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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