We would like to give a HUGE thank you to our wonderful members for their submissions to ULC's 2015 Innovations Initiative. We received an outstanding number of innovative and unique submissions, ranging from high tech media labs to resources and programs geared toward civil and community engagement. These creative projects demonstrate that our members, and public libraries in general, continue to evolve and serve as vital technology, education and community leaders.

The 2015 Top Innovators in each submission category, as well as all other submissions, will be recognized and celebrated at the ULC Innovations Celebration on Thursday, June 25, 2015 at the ULC Annual Forum. Please register today and join us as we showcase leading library services, partnerships and programs. 

Coalition Campaign Urges Investment in NYC Public Libraries   

New York City's public libraries are suffering from inadequate funding and in need of serious reinvestment, according to a report released in late March. The report, Long Overdue: NYC's $1.1 Billion Library Fine, details some of the most dire examples of branches in need of increased funding for repairs and maintenance. The report represents the first step in a campaign, led by the city's three library systems, elected officials and advocates, to secure $1.1 billion for needed renovations and a $65 million increase in operating expenses  for the year. A report on the increase in operating expenses is due out next week. 

"As our new report vividly demonstrates, New York's public libraries are facing a maintenance crisis," said Tony Marx, President of the New York Public Library. "We need to modernize and repair our libraries and ensure that they have a full array of expert librarians and educational programs so that they can continue to meet the needs of the public and strengthen communities."  

For Maryland travelers, the post office isn't the only place to get a new passport. A recent article from The Baltimore Sun highlights the success some Maryland libraries are seeing with services that provide patrons with new passports quickly and efficiently. Baltimore County Public Library's Arbutus branch plays a critical role in providing easy and convenient issuing of new passports to community members. Their success, following on the heels of a similar program in the Howard County Library System, is attracting attention from other Maryland library systems as well as positioning the library as a gateway to critical government and civil services. Read the full article here.