October 28-30, 2015
San Diego, CA
The 2015 Leaders Partnering for Success --- Social Innovation: Raising the Bar will bring together community thought leaders to discuss and focus on efforts around social innovation.
Communities are strongest when leaders and stakeholders collaborate to address complex social problems, particularly around the issues of education and social inequity. Be a part of this civic dialogue to hear from community stakeholders about the social shifts taking place in our communities. Explore what we can do as key change agents to bolster and create a resilient environment for all, and why working together for collective impact is the solution to many of our community challenges.
ULC leaders are encouraged to come with their school administrators, local government officials, and community leaders from United Way and other key organizations, including local businesses. Guest speakers include Emily Kirkpatrick, Vice President of the National Center for Families Learning, Michael Casserly, Executive Director of the Council of the Great City Schools, Stacey Stewart, U.S. President of United Way Worldwide, and Ralph Smith, Managing Director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading.
Visit the ULC website to view the conference agenda, speaker bios and more!
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United Nations Renews Commitment to Information Access in 2030 Agenda
 In September 2014, ULC joined library and development organizations from around the world in signing the Lyon Declaration, an initiative led by the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), to advocate for a strong focus on public access to information in the United Nations (UN) post-2015 development plan. ULC understood the importance of signing the Lyon Declaration. The goals outlined in the Declaration align with the goal of ULC members in North America to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms every day.
We are excited to announce that on August 2, 2015, UN Member States finalized the development plan, known as the 2030 Agenda, which places a strong emphasis on promoting and safeguarding the values held by public libraries and outlined in the Lyon Declaration, including public access to information, communication technologies, the preservation of cultural heritage and universal literacy.
As trusted public institutions, libraries serve an important role in addressing poverty, climate change and the development of people. Libraries and all ULC members have an important role to play in addressing the goals of the 2030 Agenda. Our collective voice and will is critical for the individuals we serve and the communities, nations and global entity in which we live.
The official version of the post-2015 Development Agenda will be adopted by Heads of State during the United Nations Summit in New York, September 25-27, 2015.
Learn more about the UN 2030 Agenda here.
Chicago Public Library Expands Early Learning Centers
 Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Public Library (CPL) recently announced a plan to develop 15 new early learning spaces across the city. CPL will open an 18,000 square foot flagship location at Harold Washington Library Center with 14 additional satellite locations to follow. The new learning centers support the joint goals of the Library and the City of Chicago to provide access to quality early educational programming year round.
The expanded services are funded by a $2.5 million grant from Exelon Corporation to the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the largest single gift ever made to the early learning initiatives at Chicago Public Library.
The early learning spaces will support the development of deeper learning skills through literacy and STEM activities, incorporating the five practices of early learning --- Talk, Sing, Read, Write and Play. These spaces will also include a strong focus on enhancing parents' and caregivers' skills as a child's primary teacher.
Learn more about CPL's early learning centers here.
Bay Area Libraries Awarded Super Bowl 50 Grants
 ULC member libraries San Mateo County Library and San Jose Public Library were recently named grantees for The Re(a)d Zone, the signature early literacy initiative led by the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.
The Re(a)d Zone is investing in programs that help struggling readers to catch up, marginally proficient readers to avoid the "summer slide," and give low-income children across the region-prioritizing children in public housing-access to books, reading programs and early literacy support.
Working in partnership with the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, Bay Area Campaigns for Grade-Level Reading and Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy --- the philanthropic initiative of Raiders All-Pro defensive end and two-time Super Bowl winner Justin Tuck and his wife Lauran --- the 50 Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, has given $805,000 in grants to date.
Learn more about The Re(a)d Zone grants here.
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Summer Lunch Program
A partnership between the St. Louis County Library (SLCL) and Operation Food Search (OFS) ensures that children and teens aged 2 to 18 who get free lunches during the school year can get the same resources at the neighborhood library during the summer. In 2014, the library served more than 8,500 free lunches at three branches to kids who might otherwise have gone without lunch all summer.
"St. Louis County Library's free summer lunch program is vital to kids and families who rely on free lunch service during the school year, but are often left empty handed once school is out," said Kristen Sorth, SLCL Director. "Every summer hundreds of kids come through our doors. This partnership with Operation Food Search allows us to reach those who are hungry, while also introducing them to library resources. Studies show that hunger is a barrier to learning. Together we're fighting hunger and promoting literacy."
Click here to learn more about this innovative project. Visit the ULC website to view the complete list of 2015 Innovations.
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ULC Seeks Applications for the Urban Leader and Joey Rodger Leadership Awards
ULC is now accepting nominations for the
Urban Leader Award and applications for the
Joey Rodger Leadership Award. Both awards recognize transformative leadership that advances the impact and strategic role of public libraries in communities across North America.
The deadline for both awards is
Visit the
ULC website
to view the award guidelines, past winners and apply today!
FCC Extends Public Comment Period for Lifeline Reform
The FCC has extended the deadline for comments on
Lifeline Reform until August 31, 2015. Since libraries play a critical role in digital inclusion efforts, ULC is preparing comments in support of expanding Lifeline subsidies to include broadband. If your library would like to sign on to a letter that
New York Public Library and five other ULC members are circulating in support of Lifeline reform, please contact Luke Swarthout at NYPL:
[email protected].
Click
here to learn more about Lifeline Reform.
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