This Week at ULC
Newsletter | July 21, 2021
REVISIT ULC'S ANTI-RACISM WEBINAR
Thanks to everyone who joined us for last week's webinar, "Finding our Way Forward Together: Advancing Libraries as Anti-Racist Leaders." Michelle Hamiel (Prince George’s County Memorial Library System), Karyn Prechtel-Altman (Pima County Public Library) and Roosevelt Weeks (Austin Public Library) led a robust discussion and offered insights from their libraries’ anti-racism journeys.

This webinar was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant LG-246440-OLS-20.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RESOURCES
ULC continues to follow the developments around the American Rescue Plan Act and potential funding opportunities for ULC member libraries and the communities we serve. 

ECF Application Filing Window Now Open
Libraries can now begin to file applications for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. The first application filing window is open through August 13, 2021. Applicants can submit requests for funding for purchases to be made between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Learn More >

Emergency Connectivity Fund Q&A
In order to address ECF concerns unique to library applicants, ALA, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition recently co-hosted an open Q&A forum. The recording of this call is available online, as are links to resources mentioned during the discussion. Learn More >

Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act Resources web page.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Connecting Patrons to New Digital Literacy Resources
Montgomery County Public Libraries

MCPL is now offering a new digital resource aimed at helping residents acquire or improve their online skills. Patrons can gain free access to the Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment, which features online modules built around assessing basic digital literacy standards. “As a center for lifelong learning, MCPL is pleased to offer this valuable free resource to help our customers gain or sharpen digital literacy skills and enhance their chances of success in life, work or school,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo.
Offering Free COVID-19 Vaccines to Patrons
Chattanooga Public Library

Earlier this week, Chattanooga Public Library began offering free, walk-in vaccines to community members at its Downtown Library. The goal of this initiative is to encourage residents to get vaccinated at a familiar place that is convenient and welcoming. “Our library strives to provide the public with whatever they need, whether that’s a book, a tool or a vaccine,” said Library Executive Director Corinne Hill.

Click here to find out more on the ULC blog about how other ULC member libraries have established innovative partnerships and outreach efforts to help serve their communities on the front line of their local vaccine rollout.
Pictured: Local government officials and library staff celebrating the opening of the "edible library" at Lithonia-Davidson Library.
Partnering with Local Nonprofit to Launch "Edible Libraries"
Dekalb County Public Library

Earlier this year, Dekalb County Public Library launched a partnership with Roots Down GA for a pilot project aimed at overhauling the landscaping at six library locations. The new improvements include installing fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetable gardens and native plants, with the latest “edible library” opening at the Lithonia-Davidson location last week. “We will be able to produce food for the community at need at no charge,” said Dekalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson.
NEW ON THE ULC BLOG
Shreve Memorial Library as an Entrepreneurial Support System
Shreve Memorial Library
In a new ULC blog post written by Marketing and Development Manager Samantha Bonnette, find out how Shreve Memorial Library's innovative programming has encouraged local community members to start their own small business.
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
Collaborating to Inspire the Local Entrepreneurial Community
New Haven Free Public Library
New Haven Free Public Library recently launched this year's application period for two new Entrepreneur-in-Residence opportunities. Opening in 2018, Ives Squared has served as a center for innovation and collaboration at NHFPL’s main downtown library.

As an anchor institution in the Elm City Innovation Collaborative (ECIC), Ives Squared is designed to inspire and enhance the entrepreneurial culture of the New Haven community with a makerspace (Tinker Lab), a co-working space (Exchange) and the Switchboard for in-person questions and information. The two candidates who are selected for the upcoming in-residence appointments will work closely together to focus on mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs and helping them to craft their businesses. 

Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking work, originally submitted to ULC’s 2019 Innovations Initiative. 
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Richmond Hill Public Library
Stark Library
Library Foundation of Los Angeles
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
July 27 | 2-3 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Call
August 18 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Cambridge Public Library

Making connections with people in need — find out more about Marie Mathieu, Cambridge Public Library’s first social worker.