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ULC Member News
May 27, 2026
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ULC Joins Leading Public Library
Organizations to Call for E-book Action
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This week, ULC joins our peers at the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC), and the Public Library Association (PLA) to publicly call attention to the e-books pricing crisis and demand change from the largest publishers.
This effort matters because it sends a message that, as organizations advocating for and representing nearly all public libraries in the US and Canada – small and large, urban and rural, and everything in between – we stand united for change while open for dialogue, at a moment when states are turning up the pressure on publishers with legislative efforts.
Read the full statement and press release below.
| | NEW! Impact Brief: Safe Routes to Libraries | | |
With the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), ULC and the Safe Routes Partnership have collaborated since 2024 to lay the groundwork for a national "Safe Routes to Libraries" program. This initiative is designed to foster walking, biking, and rolling access to public library buildings across the United States, with the goal of safely connecting communities to library resources and programs that enhance the literacy and health outcomes of all Americans.
In February 2025, we surveyed members of ULC and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries to understand the existing landscape of Safe Routes to Libraries work before the implementation of a national initiative.
This new Impact Brief explores the work libraries are already doing across North America to improve the walkability and bikeability of their buildings — from transportation safety and bike education programs to community audits and StoryWalks!
| | Updated Toolkit: Engaging Elected Officials | | |
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Reminder: Now is the perfect time to invite your elected officials to visit a library branch this August, especially in the US, as Congress is on recess for the month.
To help, we just updated our Engaging Elected Officials toolkit.
If it’s been more than a year since you’ve had a visit, now’s the time to re-engage!
| | | Are You an Administrative/Management Library Professional? This Course Is for You... | | |
...Some of the most influential leaders in libraries are
the managers, administrators, and department leaders
working in the middle—turning strategy into action every day.
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20 Credit Hours | Exclusive Member Rate: $2,750
Group Discounts Available!
ULC Academy’s Managing From the Middle: Influence Leaders helps emerging and established library leaders build the skills needed to lead effectively across teams, influence decision-making, and create real organizational impact.
Designed for professionals in administrative and management roles, this three-month course focuses on the leadership skills library school rarely teaches—but today’s libraries urgently need.
If your role requires collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and guiding teams through change, this course was built for you.
| | We’ve been blown away with the response to ULCA from members! To continue to make sure ULCA is accessible to libraries of all sizes, we’re pleased to announce reduced individual rates and new group rates for classes — view the course webpage for more information. | | Civic Makers Lab for Youth (15-18): Application Deadline Extended to June 5 | | |
The application deadline for the new Civic Makers Lab for Youth (15-18) has been extended to June 5, 2026!
Participating libraries will offer hands-on civic learning experiences that complement school education, and partner with community organizations and families to deepen civic impact. The 10 selected libraries will receive $25,000 of program support funds, staff professional development opportunities, and more.
This program is only open to ULC-member libraries that are U.S.-based and have an operating Carnegie library. Contact ULC Senior Program Manager Katie Sullivan with any questions.
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- MEMBER NEWS ROUNDUP -
Recent Stories From ULC Members
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Introducing ULC's Newest Member
Boone County Public Library
ULC is excited to welcome Boone County Public Library (Kentucky) as our newest member! Please join us in welcoming their staff to the ULC family!
See a full list of ULC members.
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Taiko Drummer Brings Japanese Culture to Baltimore County for AAPI Heritage Month
Baltimore County Public Library
Libraries are typically quiet spaces, but this month, inside Baltimore County Library Branches, the loud roar of drums fills the air. The sounds are being created by Taiko instructor and performer Mark H. Rooney, who uses music to bring people together and share his Japanese heritage. Taiko drumming has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. The word "Taiko" is the Japanese word for "drum." For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Rooney is performing at Baltimore County Public Library Branches. WJZ caught up with him at the Essex Branch, where he performed both traditional and contemporary songs and rhythms. "Probably outside of a pipe organ, it might be the loudest instrument in the world," Rooney laughed. READ MORE.
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SDPL Breaks Ground on "Much-Needed" Library in San Diego's Oak Park
San Diego Public Library
“Our community has a major underserved [population of] low-income families, and our children don’t have any other place to go but the library and their schools,” said Elida Chavez, president of Friends of the Oak Park Library. “That’s their rec center, that’s their afterschool programs.” City officials and Oak Park community members like Chavez gathered at Chollas Lake Park earlier this month to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Oak Park Library – a long-awaited upgrade after decades of advocacy by library supporters. “Today we break ground on more than just a building,” said San Diego Public Library Director Misty Jones. “We break ground on opportunity, connection and hope for the Oak Park community.” READ MORE.
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Celebrating 230 Years with "One Cleveland" Civic Pride Initiative
Cleveland Public Library
Cleveland is celebrating its 230th year, and a massive new initiative is bringing the entire city together: "One Cleveland." One Cleveland is a citywide civic pride campaign that celebrates the people, neighborhoods, stories, and institutions that connect Clevelanders. Programming will take place over the next year, and has already kicked off with "Cleveland 230," a recognition of individuals whose work, leadership, and impact reflect the spirit and strength of the city. Starting with city founder Moses Cleaveland, the library will announce one "Cleveland 230" member every day for the rest of the year. One Cleveland programming will take place in all 27 CPL branches in the greater Cleveland area. READ MORE.
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Meet the Local Artist Behind Milton Public Library’s New Children’s Mural
Milton Public Library
Whether it be as a university student or now as the mother of a toddler son, Ayesha Naseem has spent countless hours at Milton Public Library’s Main branch. So when the chance to put her artistic stamp on a place she considers a “second home” presented itself, it was a bona fide pinch-me moment. “Honestly, it was one of those 'dream come true and I can’t believe it’s happening to me' opportunities,” said the 29-year-old Miltonian, a project manager by trade who’s in the midst of creating a lively, interactive mural in the library’s children’s area. Now Naseem is embracing what MPL Director of Customer Experience Chris Dorscht calls the five practices of early literacy – namely sing, talk, read, write and play. READ MORE.
| | Join ULC's Annual Business Meeting on June 11 | | |
Join ULC's virtual Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, June 11 at 4 p.m. ET. This all-member meeting is an important opportunity to hear from ULC's President & CEO, Brooks Rainwater, about the state of the organization, ULC's ongoing programmatic work, and important advocacy updates.
Members will also be asked to vote on the Board of Directors slate, first proposed on Monday, May 11. The slate includes Board Officers standing for election 2026-2027 and Board Members standing for election or reelection for the 2026-2028 term — including a new Director nomination!
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Milwaukee Public Library
"Got a problem? We can help! The library is here to provide resources and support for whatever life throws at you. Stop by one of our branches and speak to our friendly staff, our greatest resource."
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St. Louis Public Library
"Stop by Cabanne Library on Monday, May 18 and take in the jaw-dropping original ceilings. We’re excited to welcome you in—come explore the space and see this historic detail up close. We hope to see you there!"
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St. Joe's County Public Library
"Want to wax eloquently about your love for the library? Leave us a Google review for the chance to end up on our next episode of Dramatic Library Reviews. The show where we read actual library reviews, dramatically."
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