Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us: Banned Books Week

September 18-24, 2022

Banned Books Week takes place from September 18-24 — an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Launched in 1982 as a response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries, this week highlights the value of free and open access to information. The theme of this year’s event is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.”

This active Twitter thread highlights ULC members participating in Banned Books Week by providing resources and hosting unique events. If you would like to highlight your library's events during Banned Books Week, please email media@urbanlibraries.org.

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 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.

Future Cities Virtual Summit Registration

September 27-29

Join Route Fifty for their free Future Cities Summit on September 27-29 to hear from city leaders across the nation on how they’re innovating to ensure long-term progress for their communities. Powered by a historic influx of federal investments, cities have never been better positioned to usher in a new era of city living.

ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater and Greensboro Public Library Director Brigitte Blanton will be featured on the Digitizing Government Panel on September 28 at 1:25 pm ET.

Launching a Food Pantry in Lexington

Lexington Public Library

Discover how Lexington Public Library's is combatting food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic head on in our latest ULC blog post authored by Lexington Public Library's Brian Hocevar.

Named Outstanding Community Partner in Miami

Miami-Dade Public Library System

Congratulations to The Miami-Dade Public Library System for being named an Outstanding Community Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. “We are pleased and honored to have been named an Outstanding Community Partner by UM-NSU CARD,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “It was one year ago that they designated us an Autism Friendly Partner, so it’s a great recognition of Miami-Dade County’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse individuals and those with autism spectrum disorder.”

Lincoln City Libraries Goes Fine Free

Lincoln City Libraries

As of September 1, Lincoln City Libraries stopped charging overdue fees on all library materials. Assistant Library Director Traci Glass said that research shows overdue fines serve as a barrier to equitable access and dissuade the use of library services by lower income families, in addition to not being an effective tool in the return of library materials. “It is the mission of Lincoln City Libraries to foster the power of reading and provide open access to all forms of information to enrich lives every day,” Glass said. “This policy will enhance our ability to provide important access to all Lincoln residents.”

Enriching Cultural and Historical Histories in Markham

Markham Public Library

Markham Public Library’s MPL Trail Project was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator program, which granted the library $25,000 to animate the trails and main streets near the Markham Village and Unionville Library branches. The MPL Trail Project highlights the natural and cultural history of the area through storytelling and programming, emphasizing the wellness benefits of nature with geocaching activities, Indigenous eco-tours and guided storywalks highlighting diverse local artists.