This Week at ULC
Newsletter | May 26, 2021
HONORING GEORGE FLOYD
George Floyd
Tuesday, May 25 marked the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s killing and served as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to end the systemic racism and inequity entrenched in our communities. This week, ULC libraries are honoring George Floyd’s memory and engaging community members in critical discussions about race and racism through events and messaging, including:

  • Brooklyn Public Library (N.Y.) will hold a virtual session entitled “Embodying Justice: A Workshop towards Black Movement & Joy in Memory of George Floyd” on May 27, offering participants a chance to move, write, speak, play, explore and reflect with others. 

  • Cleveland Public Library (Ohio) joined Cleveland 19 News to host “The Next 400 Digital Roundtable: Racism as a Health Crisis,” looking back at the year to see if significant changes have been made to policies and practices impacting communities of color.

  • Kansas City Public Library (Mo.) held an online event, “9:29: The Minutes that Moved Kansas City," which brought together representatives of different communities who were impacted by George Floyd’s murder.

  • Milwaukee Public Library (Wis.) released an online episode of ListenMKE Live, “What has changed in the year since George Floyd was murdered,” featuring a discussion with Wisconsin Democratic State Representative David Bowen and activist Vaun Mayes.
ULC LIBRARIES CELEBRATING ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the U.S. and Asian Heritage Month in Canada, libraries across ULC’s membership are engaging their communities in activities that celebrate the lives, contributions and diverse cultural traditions, identities and ethnicities of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and Canadians.

All month long, we have highlighted member library voices and work through our newsletter and social media. Below are just a few of the many amazing stories our members have shared:

  • Brampton Library (Ont.) created an “Asian Joy” book list celebrating Asian authors, artists and makers. 

  • Los Angeles Public Library (Calif.) featured a mini-concert from Asian and Latinx teen band The Linda Lindas during a “TEENtastic Tuesdays” AAPI event.

  • New Orleans Public Library (La.) partnered with VAYLA to compile suggested titles honoring the contributions and influences of Asian American and Pacific Islander Americans have made to the culture, achievements and the history of the U.S.


  • Saint Paul Public Library (Minn.) curated a resource list on Asian American and Pacific Islander justice, mental health, anti-racism and anti-hate.
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. 

Updated ARPA Member Talking Points
Our team has synthesized new insights from the latest research and guidance to create updated talking points, including information on the final rules released earlier this month from the FCC to implement the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. Click here to access these talking points in ULC’s Member Knowledge Exchange. We hope that this resource will be useful to you in building your understanding about the funds available and provide strategies to communicate with key stakeholders about ARPA and what it might mean for your library.

IMLS Announces $15 Million Available in ARPA Grants
Today, the Institute of Museum and Library Services announced a new funding opportunity for libraries that will provide direct support to address community needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposals to this grant program may continue, enhance or expand existing programs and services, or launch new programs to address emergent needs and unexpected hardships. Applications for pandemic response funding are due June 28, 2021, with award announcements anticipated in October 2021. Learn more here.

SHLB Emergency Connectivity Fund Workshop June 9
On Wednesday, June 9, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition will host a special three-hour workshop focused on the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The SHLB Coalition’s ECF workshop will provide schools, libraries and vendors with the essential strategies and information needed to submit successful funding applications. ULC members may use the promo code URBANLIBECF to enjoy a 10% discount on the workshop when registering. RSVP here

Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act Resources web page.
ANNUAL MEMBER BUSINESS MEETING
You are invited to the ULC Annual Member Business Meeting on Thursday, June 17!
 
This meeting is the time we come together as members to:
 
  • Hear a ‘State of the ULC Union’ from our current ULC Executive Board Chair Richard Reyes-Gavilan.

  • Recognize the contributions of retiring ULC board members.


All members are encouraged to participate. Please register in advance.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Pictured: Cambridge Public Library’s Valente branch
Honored for Best in Library Architecture and Design
Boston Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, Cambridge Public Library

This year, three ULC member libraries garnered the American Institute of Architects/American Library Association Library Building Award that recognizes entire library structures and all aspect of their design. These recent projects are exceptional examples of design achievement, invoking a sense of place, purpose, ecology, environmental sustainability and history. 
Helping Patrons Grow Gardens at Home
Kitchener Public Library

Earlier this month, Kitchener Public Library introduced a new Seed Exchange program to promote gardening and food literacy. Patrons can now fill out an online form to request vegetable, fruit, herb and flower seeds to begin growing their new garden at home. 
Bridging the Digital Divide with Tablet Lending
Miami-Dade Public Library System

With the launch of a new lending program, library cardholders can now check out a tablet with free built-in Wi-Fi capability to use for work, school and personal browsing. Patrons will have access to these tablets for 30 days, and they come preloaded with a number of library apps dedicated to online learning. “We know that families who don’t have access to the internet and computers or mobile devices are at a disadvantage at work, school and accessing basic services, especially during COVID-19,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
DIGITAL NAVIGATORS UPDATE
Providing Tech Assistance to Patrons in the Community
Salt Lake City Public Library
Digital Navigators Community
Salt Lake City Public Library staff members ventured out into the community recently to spread the word about the Digital Navigators program. During their outreach, the team connected with a couple in the Rose Park neighborhood and were able to assist them in setting up their smartphone features, including organizing apps and recording a voicemail. “They were calling us their angels and couldn't believe that we had just showed up on their porch and were able to help them,” said Salt Lake City Public Library’s Mandy Cheang and Krista Nabaum.

Now being piloted by Salt Lake City Public Library and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, the Digital Navigators service model positions trained individuals to provide phone-based support for the full spectrum of digital needs. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number LG-248566-OLS-20.
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
STEAM Mobile Classroom
La Porte County Public Library
La Porte County STEAM Mobile Classroom
In partnership with local school corporations and business partners, La Porte County Public Library developed a mobile classroom to provide equitable access to students across school systems in La Porte County with cutting-edge, rigorous and relevant hands-on lessons that prepare them for a wide range of high-demand careers.

The technology built into the classroom was specifically chosen to expose students to the types of equipment used in La Porte County manufacturing facilities. Lessons correlate with state academic standards for college and career readiness. Students can now gain insight into the career opportunities that exist locally and regionally in high-skill, high-demand jobs.

Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking work and click here to review all 260 submissions to the 2020 Innovations Initiative.
NEW ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Alameda County Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Development Professionals
Member Group Conference Call
May 26 | 3-4 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Conference Call
June 15 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
ULC Annual Member Business Meeting
Virtual Member Convening
June 17 | 4-5 p.m. ET
SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Book Rich Environments

Through the Book Rich Environments initiative, public libraries partner with nonprofits, national government agencies and corporate publishers to infuse public housing communities across the U.S. with a vibrant and accessible culture of books and to improve opportunities and outcomes for children living in public housing!