Growing Your Business Services to Improve Your Local Economy

Baltimore | September 21-23

Strengthening communities is the business of libraries — and growing your library’s business offerings is key to improving your local economy. Strong connections with local businesses and entrepreneurs position libraries to expand their impact and outcomes that benefit their communities. Join ULC library leaders for our pivotal Lessons from the Field event in Baltimore where we will explore how libraries can equip themselves to be the business leaders of tomorrow.

During this conference, you will learn how to:

• Develop key techniques to push your business services to the next level
• Tell your library's business story to local leaders and key decision makers
• Measure the value of your library’s business resources and impact on your community
• Connect and engage with new and small business owners, entrepreneurs and jobseekers

Participants will have a chance to hear success stories from ULC's Entrepreneurship cohort at interactive sessions held at Baltimore County Public Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library. We thank Gale Cengage for sponsoring this in-person event.

Going Fine Free in Wichita

Wichita Public Library

Wichita Public Library is going fine free thanks to the approval of the 2023 budget for the city of Wichita! “This is a step in the direction towards a more equitable and inclusive library system,” said Jaime Prothro, director of libraries. “Without the barrier of owing overdue fines, customers can use the library without incurring fees and being told they can’t borrow materials until they’re paid off.”

Pictured: Alysia Bousquet, Lincoln City Libraries

Offering Books to Babies in Lincoln

Lincoln City Libraries

Lincoln City Libraries announced their Book for Babies program — a three-year program that allows all babies born at Lincoln area hospitals to receive free and developmentally appropriate books. Inspired by Ellie Hiser, a sophomore at Lincoln East High School, the program aims to increase the accessibility of early learning and stress the importance of reading aloud to children.

Providing Accessible Food Lockers in Oakville

Oakville Public Library

In an ongoing battle with food insecurity in their community, Oakville Public Library and Food for Life continues their third year of food shelf programs by providing open-access refrigerated food lockers to the public. "This food support program is an example of how organizations are thinking differently for community-building and OPL staff taking leadership roles to meet individual needs by carrying out this initiative," said Graham Hill, Food for Life's executive director.

Building Sustainable Cities with Legos in Halifax

Halifax Public Libraries

Halifax Public Libraries kicks off their Artists and Innovators in Residence program with the “Design with Nature, Design with LEGO” initiative. Expressing her idea of a modern and sustainable city through legos, Christine Hempel hosts workshops about her LEGO creations – which are designed for all ages. “When we do the workshops, … we make scenes of our own and invent new ways of building and thinking about how we live that are pleasant and look like a joyous place, instead of something that’s going to be tough work”, said Hempel.

Celebrating 10 Years of Comic Arts in Boise

Boise Public Library

The Boise Comic Arts Festival turns 10 this year and is coming back to life in September. This three-day, free and family-friendly celebration of comics and fandom will return fully in person after two years of virtual and hybrid events. “This year’s festival is an excellent opportunity to celebrate creativity and imagination in our community as well as spark inspiration through new experiences”, says Events Coordinator Josh Shape.

Connecting with Family Through Library's Genealogy Center

Allen County Public Library

With the help of Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Center and librarian Sara Allen, a woman reunited with her biological family after seven decades! “She talked with me for 10 minutes, she was so happy...,” Allen said. “She said, ‘I got a phone call from the DNA match. He said we’re your cousins... We’re so happy to have found you.’”

Pictured: Pamela Smith, Vice President and Manager, Ingram Library Services

Introducing ILS'S New Vice President Carolyn Morris

Ingram Library Services

During the ULC member reception at PLA in Washington, D.C., I announced that I would be retiring at the end of 2022. Now, I am excited to announce the newest member of the Ingram Library Services team (ILS), Carolyn Morris. Carolyn is our new Vice President for ILS and will be leading the business unit into a bright future.

Many of you will recognize Carolyn from her previous roles at SirsiDynix, BiblioLabs, Ingram, and YBP Library Services. She has a wealth of experience and loves libraries as much as I do. Carolyn will be moving from Colorado to Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and fur babies.