For more than 15 years, the Urban Libraries Council has celebrated the creativity, leadership, and impact of our member libraries through the Innovations Initiative. We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Innovations cycle!

Congratulations to Dayton Metro Library (OH), DC Public Library (DC), Gwinnett County Public Library (GA), Pasadena Public Library (CA), Pioneer Library System (OK), and Prince William Public Libraries (VA) for being named the 2025 Top Innovators.

This year’s submissions showcased the remarkable breadth of library innovation—from engagement campaigns spanning generations and programs designed quickly yet thoughtfully in the wake of natural disasters, to creative policy updates that promote safer, healthier libraries. More than 180 projects, spanning the six award categories, were submitted by ULC member libraries across the United States and Canada. The 2025 Innovations Initiative is proudly supported by EBSCO, the premier supporter of public library innovation.

ULC is also pleased to recognize these Honorable Mentions: Halifax Public Libraries (NS), Hartford Public Library (CT), Hennepin County Library (MN), Kitchener Public Library (ON), Sacramento Public Library (CA), and Saint Paul Public Library (MN).

We extend our sincere thanks to all members who submitted Innovations Initiative entries and to our judges for their time and thoughtful review. Every submission contributes to the collective knowledge of the field and remains part of the Innovations Initiative database on the ULC website.

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