Urban Libraries Council

💥 The 2024 ULC Annual Leadership Forum registration is now CLOSED. 💥 Due to popular interest in the event, we are at capacity. If you are interested in attending, please add your name to the waitlist, which is available below. Should registration spots become available, we will notify individuals on the waitlist between September 6 and September 30. If you are moved off the waitlist, your registration can be reserved for 24 hours from the time the notice is sent. After this window, the spot will no longer be guaranteed. Please note that ULC's hotel room block at The Notary Hotel is sold out. If you are moved off the waitlist and need accommodations, you will need to arrange your own lodging. If you have any questions about the ULC Annual Leadership Forum, please email us at info@urbanlibraries.org. Join waitlist: https://lnkd.in/eDNFpgJH

Happening TOMORROW! Don't miss this chance to hear expert lightning talks, panel discussions, and more. You can still register now: https://lnkd.in/e2pNyGbq

Through advanced artificial intelligence tools, 40 local Toledo children have written, illustrated, and published their own stories on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. The Young Empowered Authors program seeks to inspire creativity, build confidence, improve reading and writing competencies, educate about the benefits of AI, as well as develop a network of young writers, readers, and entrepreneurs. The initiative is supported by the city of Toledo Parks and Youth Services, the University of Toledo Business Incubator, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, Taylor Automotive Family, Actual Reality Technologies, Toledo Zoo, Sky Zone, University of Toledo athletics, Fifth Third Bank, and Mud Made clothing. Read about the program: https://lnkd.in/edtQ9UvM

The Johnson County Library is passing the mic to families of all backgrounds by helping them learn six pre-reading skills and better prepare Kansas children for early education. It is all part of the library's 6 by 6 Ready to Read program which launched 15 years ago in partnership with the Public Library Association. "We launched our 6 by 6 Ready to Read program in 2009, and for the last 15 years, we've had so much fun doing story times and other events, and we have these great tools that parents can use at home," said Elissa Andre, marketing and communications manager with Johnson County Library. More: https://lnkd.in/eSV2Kn8F

St. Louis Public Library, in partnership with decarbonization company Veregy, has made several energy efficiency upgrades at its Buder, Schlafly, and Julia Davis branches as part of its sustainability efforts. The upgrades include installing solar photovoltaic panels, replacing outdated lighting with energy-efficient LED systems, and improving mechanical systems. These efforts are expected to reduce the library’s carbon emissions by 817,734 pounds of CO2 per year, equivalent to 931,964 miles driven by a typical car or the annual energy use of 45 homes! “These upgrades not only enhance the comfort and experience for our patrons but also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and responsible energy use” St. Louis Public Library’s Chief Operating Officer Justin Struttmann said. “We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community and the environment.” More: https://lnkd.in/eDEHPTvd

Hamilton East Public Library will soon bring “Welcoming Week” to the Fishers and Noblesville Libraries from Sept. 13 to 22, in a movement led by the nonprofit “Welcoming America.” During Welcoming Week, HEPL will celebrate these communities and the ways HEPL’s mission, vision, and guiding principles are put into practice year-round. “We are so excited to offer our first-ever Welcoming Week at Hamilton East Public Library!” HEPL Director of Public Services Amber Wright said. “Welcoming Week aligns wonderfully with our vision of being ‘a connected library in a connected community.’" Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3kbpsjv

📚 Empowering Literacy Through Libraries 📚 At a time when reading proficiency levels for students in the United States and Canada are in a decline, libraries can play a critical role in advancing literacy and ensuring equitable access to quality education. To support this position, the Urban Libraries Council developed a Science of Reading Toolkit with guidance on implementing evidence-based reading strategies that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young readers. Explore now: https://rb.gy/8d9vtm

As reading proficiency levels decline across the U.S. and Canada, libraries have a pivotal role to play in advancing literacy and promoting equitable education. The Urban Libraries Council has developed a Science of Reading Toolkit to help implement evidence-based reading strategies that make a meaningful difference for young readers. The toolkit provides essential components and strategies for impactful youth literacy programs, fostering inclusive and effective services. Every child deserves to become a confident reader. Explore our toolkit and additional resources on the ULC website to support your library’s literacy efforts!

Avid library-goers in Toledo now have a new spate of collectibles they can grab on their visits. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library announced 21 stickers to collect at its various brick-and-mortar locations in northwest Ohio, as well as one for its roaming Bookmobile! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYCGPAcx

To celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month, the San Antonio Public Library is now offering all new, limited edition library cards featuring the rich cultural traditions of San Antonio. The classic Mexican card game Lotería, the famous San Antonio skyline, cowboy boots and bluebonnets, are just some of the iconic San Antonio cultural images featured on the cards. “A San Antonio Public Library card is your key to the vast resources and opportunities offered by the library,” said Kathy Donellan, Interim Library Director. “I encourage everyone in San Antonio to take a few minutes to visit their local library and pick out one of these beautiful new library cards while they last!” See the beautiful designs: https://lnkd.in/eVZMPzqj