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, yet seats are limited! Reserve your library’s spot today before the Annual Forum is sold out — we are very close to reaching our goal! 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. The hotel registration deadline is October 25, 2022.

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

Honoring Literacy Advocates in Texas

Houston Public Library

Last month, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy and Houston Public Library hosted the 2022 Mayor's Literacy Breakfast: A Salute to Adult Literacy. Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker served as the event’s honorary chair and stepped into his new role as the City of Houston’s first Ambassador for Adult Literacy. “Now is the time to celebrate what the Mayor's Office for Adult Literacy has achieved in just three years and to look towards the future. There is so much potential that can be unlocked through this important, hopeful work,” said Houston Public Library Director Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. 

Edmonton Joins UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities

Edmonton Public Library

Edmonton is the first Canadian city to join UNESCO's network of top learning cities in the world. UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) is an international network of cities committed to fostering a culture of excellence and learning for all to enhance social inclusion, economic development and culture prosperity. EPL was joined by members of our EPL Board of Trustees, City of Learners Steering Committee, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning Governing Board Chair, Daniel Baril, as well as many of our learning city partners. This milestone builds on the City's current strengths and commitments to learning and development, including the Council-supported City of Learners initiative, which began in 2008 and has been under the stewardship of the Edmonton Public Library since 2013.

Honored with 2022 Missouri Library of the Year

St. Louis County Library

During the Missouri Library Association's annual conference held last month, St. Louis County Library was named the 2022 Missouri Library of the Year. The library was recognized for work in the areas of digital equity, community partnerships, improved facilities, service to the justice involved and COVID-19 relief efforts. Kristen Sorth, SLCL Director & CEO said, “We are honored to receive this award celebrating the work of our employees. St. Louis County Library is very proud of our work supporting the region during the pandemic. Together with our community partners, we have provided essential services such as meals, diapers, technology, tutoring, vaccines and rental assistance at our branches. The resiliency and creativity of our employees made this achievement possible.”

Increasing Telehealth Accessibility in Pima County

Pima County Public Library

Pima County Public Library recently launched Health Connect — a service that provides secure and private environments for individuals to connect with their doctor — at two branches. Health Connect is currently being offered at rural libraries where residents don't always have easy access to their healthcare providers to connect communities to the healthcare they need. Ken Zambos, Program Manager for Workforce and Economic Development said, "Access to telehealth is essential for people to get the care they need when traveling to an in-person visit isn't possible. By providing this service, the Library is providing access to equipment that transforms healthcare delivery and positively affects healthcare outcomes."

With support from Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the IF/THEN® Initiative, the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is accepting applications from public libraries in the United States for IF/THEN® Gender Equity Engagement Grants. Grantees can receive funding up to $6,000 to support projects that address gender equity in museum content, including efforts to increase visual representation through the use of photos and videos featuring women and gender minorities.