ULC is excited to introduce a new Member Community designed specifically for Branch Managers! 

Branch managers play a vital role in leading staff, engaging with communities, and ensuring smooth daily operations. This new Member Community provides a dedicated space for branch managers—both current and aspiring—to connect with peers, share best practices, and strengthen their leadership skills. 

By joining, members will gain access to: 

• A network of fellow branch managers from urban libraries across North America 
• Discussions on common challenges and innovative solutions 
• A professional development space to grow leadership skills and impact 
• Monthly calls to connect with other Branch Managers 

If you are a current or aspiring branch manager—or know someone who would benefit from this community—please share this opportunity: 

Members can visit the Branch Managers Member Community page and select “Join Community” in the upper right-hand corner. 

ULC Branch Managers Member Community Call

Thursday, March 6 | 1:00 p.m. ET

The first Branch Managers Member Community call will take place on March 6, and will continue to take place the first Thursday of every month. Interested members can register below. Join the Member Community to get reminders before each call. 

We all know just how vital libraries are to the local community in terms of resources, learning, and development—but how can we quantify this value to convey this impact?  

ULC’s updated Business Value Calculator (BVC) helps libraries put real numbers behind the contributions of libraries’ business services—strengthening advocacy efforts and making a compelling case for continued investment. The BVC provides libraries with a powerful tool to estimate the concrete value they deliver to their local business communities. With this data, libraries of all sizes can sharpen their “elevator pitch” to entrepreneurs and small businesses, strengthen advocacy efforts, and build confidence among library teams. 

New for 2025: 

• Inflation adjustments for accurate valuations
• Expanded metrics to better capture business support services 
• Makerspace impact assessment 
• AI-generated insights for key takeaways 
• New User Guide & Communications Guide with messaging templates to share your results 

Want to learn about how ULC members have used the updated BVC? See the new BVC Impact Report to read about seven ULC libraries that have used the updated tool to calculate their business services value—a total value of over $17 Million!  

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your library’s value to local businesses. Start using the updated BVC today! 

Dive into the updated tool during the Business Value Calculator Workshop! 

March 19, 2025 | 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

Join this 90-minute workshop to learn more about how to use the BVC and its 2025 updates, hear from library staff who have used the BVC to support their work, and have the opportunity to ask questions of ULC staff.

AI Fluency for Everyday Impact: Mindstone AI Skills Training from EBSCOlearning

Professional Development Course | March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT

The future of libraries is here, and AI is at the forefront of innovation!

In partnership with EBSCO, ULC is excited to offer the Mindstone AI Skills Training program, an essential opportunity for library professionals to build AI literacy and apply cutting-edge tools in their daily work. Designed for non-technical staff, this interactive online series provides practical, hands-on strategies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and drive innovation in your library. 

With four live expert-led sessions, tailored training resources, and access to the Mindstone platform, you’ll gain the confidence to harness AI’s potential and lead with impact. Don’t miss this chance to upskill and future-proof your career—register today!

Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

Multi-Part Webinar Series | February through August

In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. The webinar series will cover the following topics:

• The Public Library Was Not Always for Everyone
• Self-Awareness & Reflective Leadership First
• Auditing for Change: Understanding Systemic Inequities
• Building Inclusive Organizations
• Developing Diverse Teams
• Leading Belonging Initiatives
• Commitment and Accountability
• Welcoming the Community Inside and Out

Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders - ULC Member Discount!

Webinar Series | March 25, April 1 and 8

Library Journal & School Library Journal Professional Development, in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council, is offering a 3-week online course, "Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders," on Tuesdays—March 25, April 1, and April 15 at 2:00 p.m. This course combines live and asynchronous content to guide participants through strategic community engagement, from self-assessment and relationship building to developing a strategic engagement plan.

ULC members qualify for a discount on this course. Learn more about the course and access the registration code.

Schaumburg Township District Library

"Last week at our Desueño Dance, patrons learned some fancy footwork and traded in their reading glasses for dancing shoes! 📚💃"

Oakville Public Library

"As part of Freedom to Read Week, OPL’s Central Branch will host The Tower of Banned Books, a thought-provoking installation by artist @kellymcCray7590."

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

"What happens at book club stays at book club! Check out an upcoming Library club today."

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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