Across North America, libraries are facing some of their most challenging days, thus prompting the 150+ library leaders attending the 2022 ULC Annual Forum to ask: How can North America's libraries continue to preserve democracy and position ourselves as central — and essential — pillars within our communities? Gathered in Washington, D.C. at D.C. Public Library's beautiful Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, attendees participated in panels about cultivating democracy, battling racism within democracy, library’s role in democracy and more. Alongside panels and ULC’s 50th Birthday, we released a Declaration of Democracy created by ULC and its members to to preserve, protect and advance the highest hopes and ideals of democracy.

This year's Annual Forum would not have been possible without our gracious hosts at the DC Public Library and the generous support of our sponsors at Baker & Taylor, Ingram Library Services, Children's Plus and Group 4.

Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Seattle

The Seattle Public Library

This past weekend was Small Business Saturday, which is a day to support local businesses and entrepreneurs and commemorate what they do for communities. The Seattle Public Library celebrates small businesses year round with their free business programs in partnership with dozens of community-based organizations! For example, in providing resources such as business and nonprofit help and legal and credit consulting, the library used ULC’s Business Value Calculator to the market value of their business services at $4.9 million in 2021, including $253,000 in training and education, $2.3 million in research services, $2 million in physical space and $332,000 in technology and equipment!

Wrapping Up the Red Scarf Project in Milton

Milton Public Library

During November, Milton Public Library partnered with The AIDS Network to host their first-ever Red Scarf Project, encouraging community members to knit red scarves, mittens and hats to donate to The AIDS Network for those in need. This effort is made to prepare for World AIDS Day on December 1, when red scarves, mittens and hats line the streets to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS in our communities.

Community Support at Hamilton's Drag Storytime

Hamilton Public Library

This month, Hexe Noire's Drag Storytime at Hamilton Public Library attracted a packed auditorium of more than 130 excited listeners! With Hexe Noire reading books like It's Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr and Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero by Ellie Royce, community members showed up to defend the drag storytime event from anti-LGBTQ+ protests. Gathering in front of the library, holding Pride flags and playing music, the storytime supporters ended up outnumbering the number of protestors to ensure a safe and successful event.

National Civic League

The National Civic League is now accepting applications for the 2023 All-America City Award. Since 1949, the All-America City Award has recognized communities that leverage civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, and innovation to successfully address local challenges. The 2023 All-America City Award will recognize ten communities that are working to improve the health and well-being of young people, with particular attention to efforts that engage young people in this work.

Optional letters of intent to apply are due on December 15, 2022, and applications are due February 15, 2023. Twenty finalists will be named in March of 2023 and will be invited to assemble a community team to present their work at the All-America City Award event in Denver, CO from June 9-11, 2023.