ULC Member News

February 12, 2025

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New Upcoming Webinar: Libraries, Artificial Intelligence and Civic Engagement

Libraries, Artificial Intelligence and Civic Engagement

Webinar | Wednesday, February 26 at 1 p.m. ET


AI is transforming the future of libraries—streamlining operations, expanding digital equity, and driving innovation. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily work, how is your library preparing staff and services for this shift?

 

Join ULC members for a powerful one-hour webinar on Wednesday, February 26 at 1 pm ET, showcasing real-world examples of AI in action. Learn how Palo Alto City Library, Queens Public Library, and the University at Albany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany) are using AI to enhance discovery, improve access, and empower communities.

 

Featuring:

  • Dr. Mila Gasco-Hernandez, Research Director, Center for Technology in Government
  • Gayathri Kanth, Library Services Director, Palo Alto City Library
  • Chris Markman, Digital Initiatives Manager, Palo Alto City Library
  • William Goldband, Vice President, IT, Queens Public Library

 

AI is a top priority for ULC members. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how leading libraries are adopting AI and shaping the future. Register today!

Learn More & Register

This project is supported by IMLS Grant No. LG-254889-OLS-23 awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Center for Technology in Government (CTG UAlbany).

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities

AI Fluency for Everyday Impact: Mindstone AI Skills Training from EBSCOlearning

Professional Development Course | March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT

The future of libraries is here, and AI is at the forefront of innovation!


In partnership with EBSCO, ULC is excited to offer the Mindstone AI Skills Training program, an essential opportunity for library professionals to build AI literacy and apply cutting-edge tools in their daily work. Designed for non-technical staff, this interactive online series provides practical, hands-on strategies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and drive innovation in your library. 


With four live expert-led sessions, tailored training resources, and access to the Mindstone platform, you’ll gain the confidence to harness AI’s potential and lead with impact. Don’t miss this chance to upskill and future-proof your career—register today!

Learn More & Register

Creating a Culture of Belonging Webinar Series

Multi-Part Webinar Series | February through August

In this multi-part webinar series from ULC, experts in the library field will share their insights and progress on the journey to creating a culture of belonging. The webinar series will cover the following topics:


  • The Public Library Was Not Always for Everyone
  • Self-Awareness & Reflective Leadership First
  • Auditing for Change: Understanding Systemic Inequities
  • Building Inclusive Organizations
  • Developing Diverse Teams
  • Leading Belonging Initiatives
  • Commitment and Accountability
  • Welcoming the Community Inside and Out
Learn More & Register

Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders - ULC Member Discount!

Webinar Series | March 25, April 1 and 8

Library Journal & School Library Journal Professional Development, in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council, is offering a 3-week online course, "Realizing a Community-Centered Library: Strategies for Leaders," on Tuesdays—March 25, April 1, and April 15 at 2:00 p.m. This course combines live and asynchronous content to guide participants through strategic community engagement, from self-assessment and relationship building to developing a strategic engagement plan.


ULC members qualify for a discount on this course. Learn more about the course and access the registration code.

Learn More & Register

- MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP -

Recent Stories From ULC Members

Welcoming New ULC Member

Cobb County Public Library


ULC is thrilled to welcome our newest member, Cobb County Public Library, representing Cobb County, Georgia! Please join us in sharing a warm welcome. Explore the full list of ULC members.

ULC Board Member and Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu Running for Assemblywoman in New Jersey's 32nd Legislative District

Hoboken Public Library


This week, it was announced that ULC Board Member and Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu is running for the New Jersey Assembly, representing the 32nd Legislative District. If elected, Pu would be the first Chinese American lawmaker in state history and the first Asian American woman to represent Hudson County. READ MORE.

St. Louis County Library Awarded the Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize

St. Louis County Library


Library Journal has awarded St. Louis County Library the 2025 Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize for its outstanding collaboration with local government and community! Developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and LJ, this award recognizes the powerful synergy that results when a library works closely with both its local government and its community. READ MORE.

Bringing Rock & Roll History to Ohio

Columbus Metropolitan Library


Columbus Metropolitan Library is partnering with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to connect CML customers with some of rock music’s iconic artifacts. From March 4 through May 22, central Ohioans are invited to CML’s Main Library to experience an exhibit of real, working rock pinball machines, along with a drum set used by KISS and photos of rock stars, including a collection of images by legendary Rolling Stone photographer and Columbus native Baron Wolman. READ MORE.

"Baltimore-area libraries are a gold mine of resources for entrepreneurs"

Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore County Public Library, Anne Arundel County Public Library


Via Technical.ly - Libraries are essential hubs for economic development and entrepreneurship, and three ULC member libraries in the Baltimore area are leading the way! Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore County Public Library, and Anne Arundel County Public Library are empowering local entrepreneurs with free business accelerators, youth entrepreneurship training, in-house business consultants, specialized librarians, premium research databases, networking events, and personalized support. READ MORE.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

LA County Library


"Congratulations to Skye Patrick, County Librarian & CEO of LA County Library, on receiving a 2025 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award!"

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Salt Lake City Public Library


"Happy 10th Birthday to the Glendale Branch!🎉🎂🥳"

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Kalamazoo Public Library


"📣 Thank you for joining us for Coming Home to History! 📣 A huge thank you to everyone who attended last week's Coming Home to History: Jacob Pinney-Johnson program at Central Library!"

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YOUR ULC RESOURCES:

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Contact ULC's Senior Communications Manager Elise Calanni at ecalanni@urbanlibraries.org.

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