2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy

Washington, D.C. | November 16-18

This November 16-18, the 2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy invites executive library leaders to Washington, D.C. to engage in expert-led sessions on preserving democracy and cultivating the future of libraries as a central pillar within our communities.

Registration for the 2022 ULC Annual Forum is still open. Early bird rates end in two days on September 30, so register now! Stay tuned to ULC's social media (#ULCForum22), website and newsletter for additional details. ULC has reserved a hotel room block at the Grand Hyatt Washington for attendees. Information on booking a hotel room will be provided to attendees in the Annual Forum registration confirmation email.

Lessons from the Field: Growing Your Business Services to Improve Your Local Economy

Baltimore County Public Library, Enoch Pratt Free Library

Last week, ULC held Lessons from the Field: Growing Your Business Services to Improve Your Local Economy hosted by Baltimore County Public Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library and sponsored by Gale Cengage. We thank everyone who was involved in fruitful discussions regarding libraries’ role in strengthening local economies.

Check out our Twitter thread that features event panels, moderators and topics and stay tuned for an upcoming blog in the next few weeks featuring highlights and key takeaways. 

Fresh Approaches: Food Security & Public Libraries

Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Chattanooga Public Library

ULC hosted the session Fresh Approaches: Food Security & Public Libraries at the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) Conference on September 15. We shared the results of our preliminary research scan focused on food security initiatives in public libraries and case studies of libraries who are excelling in this work. ULC staff also toured Chattanooga Public Library and learned about the library’s sound recording services, makerspace and other facilities.

Battling Food Insecurity At Cuyahoga County

Cuyahoga County Public Library

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is teaming up with multiple Cuyahoga County Public Library locations to host mobile food pantries. This partnership aims to combat food insecurity by distributing free food to those in need on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

Carlsbad City Goes Fine Free

Carlsbad City Library

On September 1, Carlsbad City Library announced their decision to go fine free. In addition to eliminating late fines for overdue items, they forgave all existing overdue library fines in the past.

Welcoming New Library Leaders

Roanoke County Public Library, Saint Paul Public Library

Roanoke County Public Library and Saint Paul Public Library welcomed new library leadership to their teams this month. At Roanoke County Public Library, Jim Blanton serves as the new director while Barb Sporlein serves as interim director at Saint Paul Public Library.

Strengthening Childhood Literacy in Ohio

Stark Library

Good early habits lead to a lifetime of success. That philosophy is at the core of Stark Library which offers several programs geared towards getting kids to read at an early age. An ABC affiliate in Cleveland released a feature story on the library's early literacy programs. "Here at Stark Library, we want to make sure that parents and caregivers have the resources they need to ensure that when their child does start school, they're ready to learn," Director of Community Services Marianna DiGiacomo said.