This Week at ULC
Newsletter | July 7, 2021
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
On Tuesday, June 29, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that libraries can now begin to file applications for the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. The first application filing window will be open for 45 days, during which applicants will be able to submit requests for funding for purchases to be made between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. 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.
OPEN TO ALL: ULC WEBINAR ON ANTI-RACISM
Finding Our Way Forward Together: Advancing Libraries as Anti-Racist Leaders
July 14 | 1 p.m. ET

Equity is more than a desired outcome; it is a process. Fortunately, library leaders do not need to take on this journey alone. How can we learn from each other, build stronger ties and unite in collective action to move forward together as anti-racist leaders?

ULC invites you to join library leaders from across North America for a critical conversation with members of the ULC Anti-Racism action team on Wednesday, July 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Michelle Hamiel (Prince George’s County Memorial Library System), Karyn Prechtel-Altman (Pima County Public Library) and Roosevelt Weeks (Austin Public Library) will lead the discussion by offering insights from their libraries’ anti-racism journeys. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with these leaders and share their own approaches to creating opportunities and navigating challenges in pursuit of a more just and equitable society. 
Registration is free to ULC members and public libraries everywhere.

This webinar was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant LG-246440-OLS-20.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Appointing the Library's First Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer
Richland Library

Richland Library has promoted Tamara King to the newly created role of chief diversity and community engagement officer. King joins the Executive Administration Team to focus on supporting underrepresented individuals through diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. King was a featured panelist, along with her Richland Library colleagues, during ULC’s Let’s Talk Race: How Conversation Challenged and Changed a Library and a Community webinar. 
ULC Members Go Fine Free
Baltimore County Public Library, Louisville Free Public Library, Virginia Beach Public Library

Public libraries across ULC’s membership continue to make the bold decision to waive overdue fines and late fees in an effort to ensure library access to all patrons. Read the linked announcements below to learn more about these libraries who are now fine free!

“Library fines create barriers to access and hurt the people who need its resources and services the most,” said Library Director Sonia Alcántara-Antoine. 

“By going fine free, we are welcoming back to the library thousands of people across our community – providing them equal access to the tools and knowledge that can help them reach their fullest potential,” said Director Lee Burchfield.

"Removing overdue fines from youth accounts is a first step in removing economic barriers to accessing library materials, especially for children who may need us the most,” said Director of Libraries Eva Poole.
Learning What Unites Us from Journalist Dan Rather
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

LVCCLD Executive Director Kelvin Watson recently interviewed legendary news anchor Dan Rather about his book, "What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism The Graphic Novel." All Nevada residents have access to read the e-book through August 27, available at the library’s website: https://LVCCLD.org/Biblioboard.
NEW ON THE ULC BLOG
The Library's Unique Role in Reimagining Public Safety
Cities United
In our latest blog post written by Cities United Executive Director Anthony Smith, find out how libraries can actively engage community members and intentionally elevate the critical conversations necessary for real change.
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
New Podcast Launched Showcasing National Authors
Portland Public Library
Portland Public Library podcast
Earlier this year, Portland Public Library launched a podcast series featuring the library’s recordings of past literary events. PortLit highlights authors from New England and beyond, who are interviewed by literary friends, colleagues or critics about their new works. 

Each episode lasts approximately one hour and allows the author time to expand on and explain their writing process and what has inspired the major works in their collection.
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
Vancouver Public Library
Edmonton Public Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
July 14 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
Finding Our Way Forward Together: Advancing Libraries as Anti-Racist Leaders
Webinar
July 14 | 1-2 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
July 27 | 2-3 p.m. ET
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Talbot County Free Library

Talbot County Free Library is the latest library to sign our Statement on Race and Social Equity! Find out how 209 public libraries are actively working to foster a more just and inclusive world.