2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy

Washington, D.C. | November 16-18

Registration for the 2022 ULC Annual Forum will close on Friday, October 21 at Noon ET. ULC's hotel room block at the Grand Hyatt Washington is completely sold out.

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. Stay tuned to ULC's social media (#ULCForum22), website and newsletter for additional details.

Below is a preview of the speakers that will present at the 2022 ULC Annual Forum.

Summer provides a time of tremendous opportunity for youth. However, it is also a time that reveals significant inequities for many, including children and youth of color, and those living in high poverty and with physical or emotional disabilities. On October 24,  the Urban Libraries Council, in partnership with National Summer Learning Association, will issue a Call to Action on Equity in Summer Learning during the National Summer Learning Conference. Join us on November 2 for a webinar to learn more about this initiative to deepen approaches and content in summer learning.

Recap of Lessons From the Field: Growing Your Business Services to Improve Your Local Economy

Urban Libraries Council

Library leaders from 22 ULC member libraries across North America convened in Baltimore, Md. to share and discuss how public libraries can continuously enhance their role as valuable players in the local economy. We thank our gracious hosts — Baltimore County Public Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library — for welcoming us to their beautiful spaces. And we especially thank Gale Cengage for their generous support of this Lessons from the Field event.

Providing Hurricane Relief in Sarasota County

Sarasota County Libraries

Due to the flooding caused by Hurricane Ian, Sarasota County residents can apply for help at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located at the Shannon Staub Library in the city of North Port in Sarasota County. “People have been so grateful to be able to get back into the libraries for some very practical reasons including to cool off if they don't have air conditioning, to charge their devices and to connect via our internet and our Wi-Fi that is totally free to the public,” said Renee Di Pilato, Director of Library Services for Sarasota County.

Granting Transit Riders Free eBooks in Columbus

Columbus Metropolitan Library

Columbus Metropolitan Library partnered with the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to offer transit customers instant access to e-books and e-audiobooks – even without a library card. The free Read and Ride program allows customers with smartphones to scan signs displayed inside COTA vehicles, using its complimentary onboard Wi-Fi to access thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks. “We know that regularly visiting our 23 library locations can be a challenge for many,” said CML CEO Patrick Losinski. “We are thankful to our partners at COTA for helping us reach central Ohioans where they are and for helping us get library materials into the hands of more people in our community.”

Going Fine Free in Broward County

Broward County Library

​​​Late fines will no longer accrue on borrowed Broward County Library materials. Customers will not be fined for items that are returned after the due date and all existing late fines will be removed. “Removing these late fines, while still requiring the items to be returned, allows more people to enjoy our materials for education, enrichment and inspiration,” said Broward County Library Director Allison Grubbs.

Wallace Foundation

The Wallace Foundation is seeking expressions of interest from groups of organizations that are working together to promote youth development, are seeking financial support to strengthen their work and can help them determine new directions for their Learning and Enrichment programs. Each group of organizations selected will receive grants averaging $200,000 for a year of work, as well as access to other supports such as peer learning and technical assistance.