2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy

Washington, D.C. | November 16-18

The 2022 ULC Annual Forum: Creating a Place for Democracy allows 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. While registration for the 2022 ULC Annual Forum has closed, stay tuned to ULC's social media (#ULCForum22), website and newsletter for more details about this event.

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

Libraries Can Unite a Lonely, Divided Nation

Bloomberg CityLab

To recover from this epidemic of isolation, ULC’s President and CEO Brooks Rainwater and co-Founder of Citylab Richard Florida argue that America needs to reknit its frayed social fabric. In their new article titled “Libraries Can Unite a Lonely, Divided Nation,” they encourage readers to view public libraries as a crucial place to start.

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. Join us on November 2 for a webinar to learn more about this initiative to deepen approaches and content in summer learning.

The Freedom to Read is a Right That Must Be Protected

Austin Public Library

In our latest ULC blog, discover how Austin Public Library launched Banned Camp — a series of free events for the Austin community to come together, engage with books that have been banned or challenged and be part of the conversation around the freedom to read. “The freedom to read is a right that must be protected in our schools and public libraries,” said Austin Public Library Director and ULC Board Vice Chair Roosevelt Weeks.

Relief Fund for Libraries Impacted by Hurricane Ian

Florida Library Association

The Florida Library Association has set up a relief fund for libraries and library workers affected by Hurricane Ian. Funds will be distributed to recipients based on approval of an application for funds.

Launching Inequity Within Report in Howard County

Howard County Library System

Howard County Library System launched their Inequity Within report, which presents data and shows local history of racial inequity and its ongoing impact on education, health, housing, and criminal justice in Howard County and the state of Maryland. The report demonstrates that even in a county where the majority of residents appear to be thriving, there are communities and subgroups that do not fully reap the benefits of residing there.

Honored as Empowered Ally in Dayton

Dayton Metro Library

Earlier this month, Dayton Metro Library Executive Director Jeffrey Trzeciak received the first Excellence in Empowered Allyship Award during Dayton’s historic Inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration. “In 18 months, DML has transformed itself into an organization that reflects the communities it serves with nearly half of DML’s administration being people of color. The Library is also investing more heavily in diversity collections and programming to close the gap in representation,” said Indigenous Advocate and REACH visionary Stephanie Van Hoose.

Celebrating TeenTober in Brampton

Brampton Library

In celebration of TeenTober this month, Brampton Library is offering a video series celebrating youth and their participation in the community. Brampton Library Youth Volunteers discuss topics in this TED Talk-style series of videos, including dance and culture to reflections on space travel, each with a unique angle on technology.

WebJunction

WebJunction is holding a webinar on October 27 to look at aspects of grant development including mission alignment, how to build organizational support, and submitting a strong application.