2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy

Washington, D.C. | November 16-18

We are excited to convene our member community in Washington, DC for the 2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy! This must-attend event will include extensive networking opportunities, dynamic education sessions and unforgettable social programming. With only two weeks until the event, stay tuned to ULC's social media (#ULCForum22), website and newsletter for more details about this event. 

Faces of Democracy: Libraries as Leaders for Civic Engagement

Urban Libraries Council

In the lead up to ULC’s 2022 Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy this November here in Washington, DC, we will be spotlighting Faces of Democracy in North America! This campaign highlights our member libraries and partners’ role in promoting democracy. Whether it be as civic educators, taking on censorship or providing access to information, libraries stand as pillars and advocates for democracy geared to empower their communities.

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, issued a Call to Action on Equity in Summer Learning during the NSLA conference.

Free Internet Access in Shreveport

Shreve Memorial Library

Residents of Shreveport will soon have the option of getting free internet access thanks to a new initiative from the City of Shreveport and Shreve Memorial Library. “Providing access to information resources is the main purpose of public libraries,” stated John Tuggle, Shreve Memorial Library Executive Director. “The economic and educational synergy created by these types of digital equity efforts boosts our communities’ abilities to grow and prosper. Universal Digital Access is a win-win for everyone.”

Unlocking Magic For Local Schools and Nonprofits in Douglas County

Douglas County Libraries

Each year, Douglas County Libraries encourages community wide participation in Summer Reading through the program’s community reading challenge, which benefits a local nonprofit if the reading goal is met. This year, participants exceeded the goal of 8.5 million minutes of reading which allowed for four Douglas County schools to receive $500 and local nonprofit AllHealth Network to receive $1000 for securing the most Summer Reading sign-ups per school level in DCL’s Summer Reading school contest. “We love that we are able to do this for our community, and it’s so fun seeing the kids get excited about reading,” said DCL Special Events Supervisor Kristen Kallio. “The schools all do such a wonderful job, and our summer readers have such a heart for our nonprofit partners.”

ULC Members Welcome New Leadership

Ottawa Public Library and Anythink

Sonia Bebbington was announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Ottawa Public Library, effective October 31, 2022. "This is great news for Ottawa Public Library", said Vice-Chair Kathy Fisher. "Sonia Bebbington has a record of proven leadership in her past roles, and we are excited by what she will bring to the organization. The future of OPL is in steady hands and we can expect the Library’s mission — to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people — to flourish in the years ahead for the benefit of the people of Ottawa."

Anythink also announced the selection of its next executive director, Mark Fink, who began his role on October 24, 2022. “Successful libraries evolve and thrive by embracing innovation and risk-taking while adopting a mission-driven strategy that reflects the identity, needs, and personality of their local constituencies,” says Fink. “Anythink has done just that over the past 13 years, and I’m honored to be part of the next phase of its evolution as the next executive director.”

Partnering on Voter Engagement in Hartford

Hartford Public Library

Hartford Public Library has partnered with Hartford's Town & City Clerk’s Office and local artist Joe Young to create B.B. (Ballot Box), the City of Hartford’s new voting mascot. Community members may also vote at any Hartford Public Library location. “Our election day is critical, and we want to ensure that everyone exercises their right to vote, either if they’re going to choose to go to their polling places, or if they choose to vote as an absentee voter,” said Thomas Clarke II, a member of the Hartford City Council.

Library Journal

The editors of Library Journal need your help in identifying emerging talents in the library world — both great leaders and behind-the-scenes contributors who are providing inspiration and model programs for others. Their 21st annual round of Movers & Shakers will profile up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, and making a difference fighting against censorship, and helping improve their workplace. Submissions will close on November 14.