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ULC Member News
Newsletter | November 20, 2024
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New Data Released: 2024 Library Insights Report Out Now! | |
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New Data Shows Urban Libraries Continue to Rebound from the COVID-19 Pandemic, with 50% Increase in Program Attendance and a 24% Increase in Total Visits
2024 Library Insights Report
This summer, the Urban Libraries Council asked its 187 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada to participate in the second-annual Library Insights Survey (LIS), compiling 2023 data to build on pre-pandemic trends tracked from 2019-2022. Today, we proudly release the 2024 Library Insights Report. The 2024 report provides a data-driven view of post-pandemic performance for urban libraries across the U.S. and Canada, drawing on responses from 115 ULC member libraries representing nearly 2,300 locations and 87.5 million people.
Here are some of the trends we are seeing:
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In-person visits to the library remain on the rise, increasing by 24% in 2023--a trend expected to continue in 2024.
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Room reservations and use of e-Resources reached new highs: the average number of room reservations for all libraries surveyed increased by 52% from 2022 to 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 18%. Respondents also reported an 11% increase in the number of e-Resources accessed between 2022 and 2023, representing a 40% increase when compared to 2019.
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Significant increases in library programs and services: Compared to 2022, the average number of programs offered by libraries rose by approximately 42%, while the average program attendance rose approximately 53%.
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Average and total FTE library staffing is largely at pre-pandemic levels: After a decline in 2022, the recent LIS data shows a slight increase (3%) in FTE staffing levels in 2023, returning the total FTE staffing numbers closer to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
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Moderate growth in number of new branch locations recorded: Data compiled for the calendar year 2023 shows that 16% of libraries in the LIS sample started construction of at least one new branch location--a total of 25 new branch locations. These new developments average a construction cost of about $695 per square foot.
Access the 2024 Library Insights Report now!
Members can also access additional survey data in the ULC Library Data Hive. The Hive presents data collected from each annual Library Insights Survey—as well as publicly available demographic information—in interactive dashboards, charts and maps. If you need assistance logging into the Member Hub, please reach out to info@urbanlibraries.org.
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Now in the Google Play Store: Librarian Recommended, Teacher Approved Apps | |
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ULC Librarian-Recommended Collection of Literacy Apps Featured in Google Play Store
November 14 through December 12
In today’s digital world, children’s apps have become an essential part of early learning, entertainment, and development. While library administrators play a significant role in choosing resources, frontline librarians, educators, and parents are the ones directly interacting with children, guiding them through safe and engaging digital landscapes. ULC is proud to partner with Google Play to curate a collection of high-quality Teacher Approved apps designed to enrich children’s lives while keeping their safety and learning top of mind. The ULC app collection is now live on the Google Play store and will be available through December 12.
To supplement the app collection, ULC created an article and tipsheet to provide practical insights for both decision-makers and those who are hands-on with children’s learning journeys—public-facing staff, caregivers seeking trusted tools and educators fostering digital literacy. Access the article, tipsheet and app selections at the link below, and be sure to check out the Google Play store tomorrow when the collection launches!
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Library Journal's "AI and the Public" Examines the Library's Changing Role in Tackling Misinformation
ULC, Toronto Public Library, Palo Alto City Library
A recent feature from Library Journal examines the major role public libraries continue to play in digital literacy as it relates to artificial intelligence and the battle against misinformation. Released last week, "AI and the Public" highlights ULC's recent leadership brief "The Role of Libraries as Public Spaces in Countering Misinformation, Disinformation, and Social Isolation in the Age of Generative AI," and features conversations with ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater and ULC library leaders from the Toronto Public Library and Palo Alto City Library. READ MORE.
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SLPL's Summer Camps Receive National Summer Learning Association Award
St. Louis Public Library
SLPL’s Summer Camp program was selected as one of only four recipients of the prestigious 2024 New York Life Foundation’s Excellence in Summer Learning Awards presented by the National Summer Learning Association. This recognition presents honorees with a $15,000 grant provided by the New York Life Foundation, a long-time partner of NSLA, and national acknowledgment during the 2024 National Summer Learning Summit, which will be held in Washington, D.C. from November 11-13, 2024. READ MORE.
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Nashville Receives $4.5 Million Investment from the Dollywood Foundation
Nashville Public Library
Last week, the Nashville Public Library Foundation announced the most significant gift in its 27-year history – a $4.5 million investment by The Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This grant will kickstart Nashville Public Library’s groundbreaking, new early literacy program called Begin Bright. Begin Bright is a new initiative aimed at ensuring every Nashville child starts kindergarten reading-ready. READ MORE.
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Recognizing the Vital Role of Witchita Public Libraries
Wichita Public Library
A recent article from the Kansas Leadership Center Journal covers how city officials are committing to the revitalization of Wichita Public Library. "It’s a sign that, after a period in which libraries were labeled as obsolete, there’s growing agreement that they play a vital role in the community," the article states. "Past budget cuts led to closures and the consolidation of library services, but as libraries continue to evolve, city leaders have recognized the vital role that they play." READ MORE.
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125-Year-Old Book Returned after 51 Years Overdue
Worcester Public Library
A Boston resident recently returned a 125-year-old book to the Worcester Public Library by way of the Cambridge Public Library, ending its 51-year overdue status. The library acquired the book in 1899, the same year it was published. Worcester Public Library's Executive Director, Jason Homer, celebrated its return: "We're excited to welcome this piece of history back to the Worcester Public Library after its decades-long journey. [...]It's incredible to think how many hands this book might have passed through before finding its way home, and this return is a reminder of the enduring value of libraries." READ MORE.
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2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum Recap | |
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Shaping the Future of Libraries
A Recap of the 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum
Each year, the Urban Libraries Council proudly gathers public library leaders from across North America to explore emerging challenges and opportunities facing libraries. Just last month, more than 240 library leaders gathered in Philadelphia, PA for the 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum, themed Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow.
The dynamic three-day event, graciously hosted by the Free Library of Philadelphia, offered a unique platform for leaders to network, collaborate, and discuss strategies for driving organizational change in urban public libraries. With the support of our generous sponsors—Baker & Taylor, EBSCO, Group 4 Architecture Research + Planning, Inc., and Thrift Books—Forum fostered impactful dialogues around the evolving role of libraries as essential community pillars.
Read a full recap of the Annual Forum's activities, sessions and takeaways, and see photos from the event by clicking below.
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New Toolkit: Engaging Elected Officials and Cultivating Library Advocates | |
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A Guide to Engaging Elected Officials and Cultivating Library Advocates in Government
New Advocacy Resource from ULC
We’re excited to introduce the Urban Libraries Council’s new toolkit, "Engaging Elected Officials and Cultivating Library Advocates in Government," exclusively for ULC members. This essential resource is crafted to help library professionals build strong relationships with elected officials, demonstrating firsthand the vital role libraries play in literacy, information access, and lifelong learning. This toolkit provides step-by-step guidance to plan impactful visits, including customizable outreach templates and a detailed checklist to ensure a memorable experience for visiting officials
Public libraries serve as foundational pillars of democracy, education, and community engagement—and you can amplify that mission by inviting local, state, and federal representatives to see it in action. By showcasing the daily work of libraries—children captivated by story time, job seekers accessing critical resources, and seniors learning new digital skills—you can cultivate dedicated advocates who understand and support your library’s mission.
This resource is exclusive to ULC members and is available only in the ULC Member Hub's Knowledge Exchange. You must log in to access. If you are unsure of your login information or need to create one, please email info@urbanlibraries.org for assistance.
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New Orleans Public Library
"We are SO excited to introduce you to the region’s very first Library Vending Machine! Housed in NORD’s Desire / Florida Multi-Service Center, the vending machine allows Library card holders to check out materials from a collection of over 200 books and DVDs for free."
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Dakota County Library
"Time for another Workspace Wednesday, where we feature our fabulous library staff in their workspace and feature some of the items that inspire them in their workspace.
Margaret Stone
Library Director
ITEM #1 – Kermit the Frog"
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Stark Library
"Thank you David Baldacci, for making tonight’s Speaking of Books event unforgettable! Your stories and insights left a lasting impression and we’re incredibly grateful for the time you spent with us. We hope to see you back in Stark County soon!"
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Lexington Public Library
"November is Native American Heritage Month, and to celebrate, we created pinch pots inspired by the Cherokee Nation while learning about one of Kentucky's Indigenous cultures. Caregivers and children participated in making pinch pots and explored the materials, history, and significance of this art form and Native American history in Kentucky."
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