At ULC, we understand that summer is an exceptionally busy time for our more than 180 member libraries. That’s why we want to extend a special thank you to all the library systems that actively engaged with ULC over the past few months, particularly regarding the 2024 Annual Leadership Forum registration, 2024 Innovations submissions and participation in the 2024 Library Insights Survey.

2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum Registration Now Open

October 23-25, 2024 | Philadelphia, PA

Early-bird registration for the 2024 Urban Libraries Council Annual Leadership Forum ends this week. Follow this link to sign up by August 31 and save $100. 

The Urban Libraries Council looks forward to welcoming you at our annual gathering of library leaders and change makers. The 2024 Urban Libraries Council Annual Leadership Forum will gather library leaders from across the United States and Canada and take place in Philadelphia, PA, from October 23 to 25. We hope you can join us and more than 200 public library professionals from across North America.

The ULC Annual Forum's early bird rate of $895 ends on August 31, and will increase to $995 until registration closes on September 30. Follow the link below to register for the forum, review the programming agenda, and book your hotel room at The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection.

Our hotel room block is filling up quickly, so confirm your room today to get the best rate! 

VIRTUAL SUMMIT: Empowering Libraries to Strengthen Civic Health and Democracy 

Tuesday, September 17 | 1:00 to 3:00 pm ET

Public libraries play a crucial role in fostering civic health by providing spaces for community engagement, promoting informed citizenship, and facilitating access to resources that support democratic participation and social equity. As the U.S. approaches a significant presidential election this fall and Canada prepares for an expected federal election next year, the Urban Libraries Council is hosting a virtual summit to explore how libraries are strengthening civic health and democracy in their communities. 

Join us on Tuesday, September 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET for an array of programming, including lightning talks from guest speakers, a panel discussion with library leaders, and breakout discussions with other attendees. Throughout the two-hour virtual summit, we will explore themes related to how libraries encourage an active citizenry and help facilitate civil discourse. Speakers and panelists will address how libraries are leading efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation, promoting race equity, and fostering socioeconomic mixing.  

Speakers: 

• Myke Atkinson, Service Design Lead, Calgary Public Library 
• Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library 
• Leander Croker, Deputy Director, Greensboro Public Library  
• Allison Grubbs, Director of Libraries, Broward County Library 
• Shamichael Hallman, Director of Civic Engagement and Economic Opportunity, Urban Libraries Council 
• Kristin Hansen, Executive Director, Civic Health Project 
• Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council 
• John Sarrouf, Co-Executive Director and Director of Program Development, Essential Partners  
• Lisa Kay Solomon, Designer in Residence, Stanford d. school 
• Deanna Troust, Founder, Truth in Common 

Science of Reading: Understanding the Reading Rope 

Written by ULC Senior Advisor in Educational Equity Liz McChesney

Scarborough’s Reading Rope is a visual framework that highlights the two critical components of fluent reading: language comprehension and word recognition. The Reading Rope — developed in 2001 by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, a psychologist and early literacy expert — illustrates how the individual “strands” of learning to read are braided together to form a strong reading “rope” of skilled reading. The model consists of two main components: top strands that become more strategic over time, and the bottom strands that become more automatic, typically by the end of 3rd grade. These strands intertwine to support effective reading. 

Understanding the Reading Rope is essential for integrating the Science of Reading into your library services. ULC is committed to helping libraries implement evidence-based reading strategies that can significantly impact young readers. In September, we will publish a new Science of Reading toolkit, organized around key components for developing impactful youth literacy programs and offering recommended strategies for your library. 

View Full-Size Diagram Above.

Best Practices for Libraries: Learnings from the Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries

Webinar Follow Up

If you missed ULC's "Community Engagement Matters" webinar about the Barbershop Books Pilot for Libraries, you can find all key takeaways and best practices in this new resource.

Learn how pilot libraries Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Cleveland Public Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library and Shreve Memorial Library cultivated strong partnerships with community barbers to make tangible change: the pilot improved access to books for an estimated 15,113 Black and African American males aged 5-9. 

Members can find this resource on our Past Events page and in the ULC Member Hub Knowledge Exchange.

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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