ULC is launching a bold new initiative to strengthen young adult civic engagement through the power of libraries. The Civic Makers Lab trains librarians to be civic learning facilitators and empowers young adults to build the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that support thriving local democracies.

This program provides hands-on training, two national convenings, and ongoing coaching for libraries ready to design and deliver experiential civic learning programs. 8-10 selected libraries will receive $15,000 in program support funds to explore community needs, co-create programming, and pilot civic learning experiences that are inclusive, nonpartisan, and rooted in local realities.

Applications close on March 4, 2026. We are also hosting an info session on Tuesday, February 17.

Info Session: ULC Civic Makers Lab Tuesday, February 17 at 1 pm ET

Learn more about the upcoming Civic Makers Lab, hear an overview of the program, and ask any questions.

Yesterday, President Trump signed into law the appropriations bill preserving funding for libraries within the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), despite an initial request to zero out the institute’s budget.

The Urban Libraries Council released the following statement from President & CEO Brooks Rainwater:

“Congress sent a clear bipartisan message by preserving IMLS funds: libraries belong to all Americans. We thank the members of Congress from across the country and across the political spectrum for making sure libraries were prioritized in this budget.

Make no mistake, it was the tireless advocacy of libraries across the nation that helped drive this point home. We’re especially proud of the library leaders who took the time to join us on Capitol Hill to speak with members of Congress from both parties on the essential role IMLS plays in day-to-day library functioning, and grateful for the partnership of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries for co-leading this effort.

Libraries large and small, urban and rural united to speak with one voice about the importance of federal funds for programs to help veterans, small businesses, children with special needs, and so much more. In good times and bad, libraries are there in communities everywhere, and sharing their stories made a difference.

Our nation’s libraries and museums are some of our most cherished institutions. We remain vigilant to future efforts to undermine library funding, and to ensure the institute remains able to fulfill its role for many years to come.”

Managing From the Middle: Branch Managers

20 Credit Hours | Exclusive Member Rate: $3,000 

Back by popular demand! This three-month course is designed for new or aspiring branch managers. It focuses on the unique challenges of branch management, from nurturing staff talents to balancing local community needs with broader system priorities.

Beginning on February 25, this hybrid three-month program is designed to help new and aspiring branch managers develop the skills they need to: 

• Build on the strengths of their teams to achieve collective success 
• Balance branch and system priorities effectively 
• Lead with confidence through self-reflection and intentional learning 

Designed by Experienced Branch Managers 

This course was developed in collaboration with seasoned library branch managers who bring firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that come with the role. Their insights and expertise ensure that participants will gain practical, real-world strategies to succeed in their careers. 

Sign Up for ULC Academy Email Updates

Want to be notified when new ULC Academy courses and offerings are available? Sign up for our ULC Academy mailing list here. Opt out at any time.

Deadline Extended to March 5

Is your community strengthening civic health and building trust? Apply to become a 2026 All-America City and showcase how your community comes together to make decisions and solve problems. The application deadline has been extended to March 5, giving communities additional time to refine their submissions and share their civic story. 

Through sustained advocacy by ULC, the Public Library Association, and major urban systems, Microsoft has created a new program providing free Office Standard 2024 and free Windows licenses for all public-access computers in public libraries.

This represents a substantial cost savings for library systems and responds directly to sector-wide concerns following Microsoft’s transition of libraries from EDU to nonprofit pricing. At the group’s recommendation, Microsoft rolled out a dedicated support page for libraries that’s now live to help libraries connect with specialists regarding this public access device offer.

Scope of the Offer:

• All libraries qualify
• Applies to public-access devices only (not staff computers)
• Covers:
• Office LTSC Standard 2024
• Windows (latest version)
• Delivery mechanism:
• Large systems: Enterprise Agreements and Microsoft-approved grants
• Small libraries: TechSoup (up to 50 licenses)

This new deal has many benefits for libraries, such as eliminating a major cost barrier for replacing or upgrading productivity software and ensuring consistency and accessibility across public computing environments.

Learn more and explore FAQs at the link below. For any other questions or concerns, please send an email to info@urbanlibraries.org. We are happy to hear from you and assist. You do not need to be a current ULC member or a large library to reach out to us if you need help!

Oak Park Public Library

"Last Thursday was an unforgettable night at the Oak Park Public Library Main Library Idea Box as we unveiled the installation Deangelo’s World! Deangelo’s World, now on view in the Main Library Idea Box, is an immersive installation that transforms a bedroom into a space of becoming."

Cambridge Public Library

"Cambridge Public Library is proud to announce that it has received the 2025 Minister’s Award for Innovation, presented by the Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference last week."

Grand Rapids Public Library

"“I don't have access to a free scanner or copy machine outside of my public library. Being able to experiment on library equipment has opened up a whole new range of possibilities in my creative toolkit and I'm so grateful to have access to it."

Questions? Want to Submit a Story?

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