ULC is launching a new initiative designed to address the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging the united strength of our membership at a greater scale than ever before. ULC directors and deputy directors will preview this work during an online summit scheduled for tomorrow, April 23. Read this ULC Executive Board Statement to learn more, and stay tuned to ULC communications for a full membership update on next steps soon.

As COVID-19 continues to impact our communities, ULC continues to update our coronavirus resource page with new tools and examples of how member libraries are dealing with this pandemic. This page now includes curated resources from ULC's corporate partners who are committed to supporting libraries during this challenging time, including Baker & Taylor, EBSCO, Gale Cengage, Ingram Content Group and OCLC.

As your library continues to strategize, please share sample statements and policies so we may highlight these resources in the Member Knowledge Center , This Week at ULC newsletter , social media and other chann els. If you have updates to share or any questions, please email ULC Director of Conferences and Community Engagement Colleen Bragiel directly.

This week, the American Library Association invites organizations and individuals across the U.S. to celebrate the transformative role libraries play in our communities during National Library Week. Read ALA's new State of America's Libraries 2020 report for a summary of the latest industry trends. ULC is proud to join in this celebration all week long on social media.

Helping Students Get Wi-Fi Access

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is using its bookmobiles to extend public Wi-Fi to community areas with low internet access. "These days, having internet access is as important as electricity and other utilities and with so many students and parents working from home, the library is making this need a priority," said CEO Gina Millsap.

Getting into College with the Library's Help

Columbus Metropolitan Library

For five years, Columbus City Schools student Lashawn Samuel walked three miles round trip from his home to a Columbus Metropolitan Library branch to get help with his homework. All that hard work has paid off! Samuel was accepted by 12 colleges and university, and many have offered a full scholarship including Lashawn's number one choice The Ohio State University.

Helping Patrons Stay Active While Stuck at Home

Prince George's County Memorial Library System

D.C. United and Prince George's County Memorial Library System are teaming up to launch a new partnership aimed at keeping patrons active while at home. The partnership, a first-of-its-kind in Major League Soccer, features free access to bilingual English/Spanish workout videos for kids and virtual storytimes with players.