Urban Libraries Council

?? New Data Shows Urban Libraries Continue to Rebound from the COVID-19 Pandemic, with 50% Increase in Program Attendance and a 24% Increase in Total Visits??? Today, the Urban Libraries Council is proud to release the latest urban library data and trends in the 2024 Library Insights Report. Insights from the second-annual Library Insights survey offer a data-informed view of post-pandemic performance and patron engagement for urban public libraries across the U.S. and Canada. Responses from 115 ULC member libraries, representing nearly 2,300 locations and serving over 87.5 million people, shaped this year's findings. Read the report now for insights into increased library visits, recovering program attendance, soaring e-resource usage and room reservations, and more: https://lnkd.in/eEUtKxc4

A recent feature from?Library Journal?examines the major role public libraries continue to play in digital literacy as it relates to artificial intelligence and the battle against misinformation. Released last week, "AI and the Public" highlights ULC's recent leadership brief "The Role of Libraries as Public Spaces in Countering Misinformation, Disinformation, and Social Isolation in the Age of Generative AI," and features conversations with ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater and ULC library leaders from the Toronto Public Library and Palo Alto City Library. “We’re really in an unprecedented era,” Brooks Rainwater, president and CEO of ULC, tells?LJ. Misinformation “is just going to be even more and more pervasive. And this is where public libraries come in as that trusted resource for community members, being able to talk with those community members…. As people have those conversations about what’s real and what’s not real, I do feel that [libraries] hold a unique position moving forward.” Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/emDC6tJ4

Last week, the Nashville Public Library Foundation announced the most significant gift in its 27-year history – a $4.5 million investment by The Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This grant will kickstart Nashville Public Library’s groundbreaking, new early literacy program called Begin Bright.?Begin Bright is a new initiative aimed at ensuring every Nashville child starts kindergarten reading-ready. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMKdQqTh

This summer, the Urban Libraries Council asked its 187 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada to participate in the second-annual Library Insights Survey (LIS), compiling 2023 data to build on pre-pandemic trends tracked from 2019-2022. Today, we proudly release the ?? 2024 Library Insights Report. ?? This report provides a data-informed view of post-pandemic performance for urban libraries. As we wrap up the year, reflecting on this LIS data can help libraries set the tone for 2025, inform internal decision-making and communicate the importance of continued library support to our external audiences.

The Allen County Council just last week approved the Phase 1 tax bond for the Allen County Public Library’s (ACPL) Facilities Master Plan, paving the way for significant enhancements to library facilities and infrastructure throughout the county.?During the November 13 council meeting, members voted 5-2 in favor of the bond, which will fund critical improvements designed to meet the growing needs of the community. This initial phase focuses on renovations, accessibility upgrades, and technology enhancements across seven ACPL locations.? ? “The approval of this bond is an important step towards ensuring the library remains vibrant for generations to come,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “Our public libraries are essential resources for education, community engagement, economic development, and access to information. The County Council has voted to protect the taxpayers’ investment and bring this project to reality. We could not do it without them, and they have stepped up in the most impactful way!” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eZQMi5JA

Together with Google Play, ULC is proud to introduce parents and caregivers to fun educational apps that provide children ages 12 and under with playful literacy activities and stories and provide rich entertainment for families to interact with each other. Digital play is prevalent, and having a safe and nurturing environment is critical for the well-being of our children. ULC librarians reviewed 19 Teacher Approved apps in the Google Play store,?some of which are available on library computers (free with your library card). Each app was considered based on age appropriateness, content quality, skill development, learning value, ease of play or navigation, app fees and, most importantly, whether library visitors would find it engaging and worthwhile.

"Past budget cuts led to closures and the consolidation of library services, but as libraries continue to evolve, city leaders have recognized the vital role that they play. As more people start to see them as essential for education, public safety and access to information, libraries are seeing an influx of capital spending. The recent push to complete the Wichita Public Library’s long-term building plans underscores this shift." Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eT5uRbRm

The New York Times: "Misty Jones, the director of the San Diego Public Library, says the workplace has 'changed drastically' since she began her career in libraries nearly 25 years ago. 'What librarians do is heroic,' she said. 'They are really trying to help everybody — even when it is the most difficult thing to do.'" A new article from the New York Times examines the challenges of today's urban librarians: https://lnkd.in/dnJ_2dCg

A Boston resident recently returned a 125-year-old book titled "The Early Works of Aubrey Beardsley" to the Worcester Public Library by way of the Cambridge Public Library, ending its 51-year overdue status. The library acquired the book in 1899, the same year it was published. Worcester Public Library's Executive Director, Jason Homer, celebrated its return: "We're excited to welcome this piece of history back to the Worcester Public Library after its decades-long journey. [...]It's incredible to think how many hands this book might have passed through before finding its way home, and this return is a reminder of the enduring value of libraries." Read the story: https://lnkd.in/ey423qNw

Halifax Public Libraries' Central Library recently achieved the prestigious ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ status—the highest accessibility rating available through the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification? (RHFAC) program. This Gold certification reflects the library's strong commitment to providing an accessible, barrier-free environment where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy public spaces. As Megan Gainer, Director of Facilities, explains, “Accessibility is not a project. It’s a lifelong commitment that requires a strong foundation and a willingness to listen.” While this certification is a major milestone, Halifax Public Libraries views it as the beginning of a larger journey. Plans are underway to continue expanding accessibility knowledge among staff, with more team members pursuing Rick Hansen Foundation accreditation to extend these practices to other branches. Accessibility principles will also be integrated into the library’s Facilities Master Plan, ensuring that inclusivity remains a core value in all future projects. More: https://lnkd.in/giq7A6Cn