This Week at ULC
Newsletter | September 15, 2021
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, libraries across ULC’s membership are engaging their communities in activities that explore the lives, contributions and diverse traditions of the Hispanic culture.

All month long, we will highlight 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 so far:
Houston Event
Houston Public Library
Houston Public Library will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta later this week at the Downtown Central Library. Patrons can explore Hispanic culture through the generations as they enjoy dance performances, fun crafts and trace ancient cultural traditions. Learn More >
Memphis Public Libraries
Memphis Public Libraries curated a children’s book list for patrons. Titles include Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and The Magic Bean Tree: A Legend from Argentina. Learn More >

Palm Beach event
Palm Beach County Library System
Palm Beach County Library System will host a Teen Trivia: Hispanic Heritage Edition! virtual event themed around Hispanic American people, traditions and achievements. Learn more >
La Comunidad
Topeka & Shawnee County PublicLibrary
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library introduced a new exhibit exploring Latino culture — La Comunidad. Patrons can experience murals, paintings, sculpture, dance, music and costumes from Topeka Latino artists. Learn More >

We look forward to sharing more highlights throughout the month! If you have suggested articles, blog posts or photos showcasing your events/programming, please be sure to send them to media@urbanlibraries.org.
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT RESOURCES
FCC Opens Second ECF Application Filing Window
The FCC has opened a second filing window for libraries to request future support from the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. Libraries can apply for funding from September 28 to October 13 to cover broadband and devices for students and patrons who lack home internet access. Learn More >

How Cities Can Use ARPA to Advance Digital Inclusion
On September 29, the National League of Cities will host a virtual panel that will focus on how cities can use ARPA funding to promote digital inclusion and help their residents access digital inclusion programs. Representatives from NLC’s Federal Advocacy Team will join the panel along with partners from the nonprofit and private sectors. Click here to register.

Stay tuned to ULC communications for regular updates and please review the latest resources on ULC’s American Rescue Plan Act web page.
MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP
Jameet Sigh
Launching a Community Reading Program
Milton Public Library

Milton Public Library has launched One Book, One Milton — a community-wide program encouraging patrons to read the same book. This year’s selection, Love & Courage: My Story of Family, Resilience, and Overcoming the Unexpected, is written by Jagmeet Singh. The library has planned a series of engaging events leading up to special session with the author hosted by CBC’s Michael Serapio on October 21. 
Marin County Welcomes Lana Adlawan as New Director
Marin County Free Library

Earlier this month, Lana Adlawan began her tenure as the new director of library services at Marin County Free Library. Adlawan comes to her role with previous leadership experience at the Brooklyn, Sacramento, Oakland and Sonoma library systems. “I am excited to join the team in serving the entire county. I’ve heard great things about the staff and know their dedication to community is strong,” said Adlawan. 
DCPL Libraries
Pictured left to right: Young patron, DCPL Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan
Revitalized Libraries Featured on Local Arts and Culture Series
DC Public Library

WETA Arts recently showcased the architectural wonders of DC’s revitalized public libraries during a recent edition of its half-hour arts and culture series. Since the modernization initiative started in 2004, 21 libraries have been renovated or replaced. DCPL Executive Director and ULC Executive Board Member Richard Reyes-Gavilan was interviewed during the episode. 
SPOTLIGHT ON INNOVATION
Vaughan Lendery
Enabling Patrons to Borrow Household Items
Vaughan Public Libraries
Thanks to a collaboration with the Regional Municipality of York, Vaughan Public Libraries has opened a Lendery “library of things” at its Pierre Berton Resource Library. Patrons can now borrow everyday items like tools, kitchen equipment and sporting gear, allowing them to save time and money in lieu of purchasing these necessities. Items are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and can be borrowed for up to 14 days.
FEATURED RESOURCES ON ULC'S MEMBER KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
Explore new resources in the ULC Member Knowledge Exchange
Alexandria Library
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
Nashville Public Library
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
ULC Deputy Directors
Member Group Call
September 15 | 3-4 p.m. ET
ULC Communications and Marketing Leaders
Member Group Call
September 22 | Noon-1 p.m. ET
ULC Education Leaders
Member Group Call
October 19 | 2-3 p.m. ET
NOW TRENDING ON SOCIAL
Kelvin Watson
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

“More Than Books and a Place to Study: New Library Chief Takes District Forward" Check out this great feature on Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s Executive Director Kelvin Watson.