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ULC Member News
March 26, 2025
| | ULC Advocacy in Action: Stronger Libraries, Stronger Communities | | |
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In response to the recent unprecedented Executive Order aimed at drastically reducing or eliminating several federal agencies, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), ULC partnered with the Public Library Association (PLA) and the Association of Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) to issue a joint statement advocating for the critical role IMLS plays in supporting public libraries and their communities.
It has been heartening to see so much library support over the recent days. ULC continues to stand up for and with all of America's public libraries in the face of this challenge.
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Initiative Spotlight: Creating Youth Opportunities
Measuring Youth Disconnection
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To wrap up our series on the Creating Youth Opportunities (CYO) initiative—a groundbreaking ULC program empowering 11 libraries to serve 222 communities and reach over 411,000 opportunity youth—ULC has developed an interactive map measuring youth disconnection and CYO initiative libraries.
There are young people in every community who could benefit from targeted programs and services. This interactive map overlays CYO member library locations with national youth disconnection data. You may use it to learn more about library programs to support opportunity youth that may be replicated in other communities.
| | Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities | | |
Creating Youth Opportunities Webinar Series
Three-Part Webinar Series | April 22, May 15, June 18
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Join us for an engaging three-part webinar series designed to empower every member of your library team—from front-line staff to executive leaders—to better support opportunity youth in your community. Whether you work directly with patrons or help shape strategic initiatives, these webinars will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a lasting impact on the lives of opportunity youth.
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Teen Brain Development: How Libraries Can Better Serve Teens Through Understanding | April 22 at 3 p.m. ET
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Opportunity Youth: Understanding Our Communities’ Most Vulnerable Teens and How Libraries Can Serve Them | May 15 at 3 p.m. ET
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Library Programs that Help Build Economic Mobility for Youth | June 18 at 3 p.m. ET
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Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series
Next Session April 8 | "Auditing for Change"
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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
| | | New ULC Member Community for Library Branch Managers - Join Now! | | |
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:
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- MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP -
Recent Stories From ULC Members
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'De-escalation and myth busting': How local libraries handle attempts to challenge books
Worcester Public Library
via WorcesterMag - "Worcester Public Library Executive Director Jason Homer says in the face of more frequent challenges to books in the library’s collection, de-escalation and myth busting have become just another part of his job. Homer often responds to an angry message or phone call with an invitation to the library for a conversation, where he usually finds that the complaint stemmed from rumors and misinformation, much like a childhood game of 'telephone.'" READ MORE.
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Specialized Staff Serving Influx of Homeless Library Patrons
Kansas City Public Library
via FlatlandKC - "The library created the [Community Resources Department] in response to the growing number of unhoused people living in the communities served by the library, and the dearth of city-driven solutions to end homelessness in Kansas City, said Community Resources Manager Beth Hill. For some, the library has become a 'de facto shelter,' she said. 'At the end of the day, on any given day, if you want, if you need a place to be, it’s the library.'” READ MORE.
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"Libraries are the people and the ideas and the stories"
Pima County Public Library
via Arizona Luminaria - "Amber Mathewson has done about as many jobs in the Pima County library system as you can imagine — from children’s librarian to customer service and finally, director. [...] Now Mathewson, whose first job at the library was in 1989, will return to being a library patron. She announced her coming retirement from the library system after 34 years of service this month."
READ MORE.
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Phoenix Public Library's Rare Book Room
Phoenix Public Library
On the fourth floor of the Phoenix Public Library, there's a hidden haven filled with rare gems. In the Rare Book Room, you can explore hundreds of rare and valuable books and objects. The coveted collection includes everything from 2,000 B.C. clay tablets to present-day artist-made books. Be sure to look for one of the tiniest Bibles you've ever seen as well as a massive 1895 Washington printing press. The special space is also filled with first edition classics and historic texts. READ MORE.
| | Edge Data Fluency: 2025 Spring Cohort Graduates! | | |
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Last week, ULC's latest Edge cohort for Data Fluency completed their capstone presentations and finished the course. During this program, library staff deepened their understanding of how data can be an asset to the library by exploring core data fluency components and becoming aware of the data sources available.
Congratulations to these library champions for completing the course:
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Nancy Mocsiran, Cleveland Public Library
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Mahasin Aleem, Contra Costa County Library
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Ruth Boyer, Contra Costa County Library
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Amy Brunson, Contra Costa County Library
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Julia Layne, Contra Costa County Library
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Amy Mockoski, Contra Costa County Library
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Faith Connell, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
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Heather McKinney, Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library
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Becca Scott, Evansville Vanderbrugh Public Library
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Denver Public Library
"Ever wonder how library books make their way back to the shelves? Our Materials Handling team (with a little help from our return machines) keeps everything in motion!"
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Brooklyn Public Library
"After overcoming historic budget cuts last year, @bklynlibrary, @nypl & @qplnyc called on City leaders to invest in libraries"
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Richmond Public Library
"We had so much fun at @teensummitrva this past weekend! It was great meeting and talking with so many teens in the City and surrounding counties"
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