As of today, August 8th 2022 we will be using a new logo and brand identity that better represents Urban Librarians Unite as an organization and does not draw from the culture of an ethnic group that we do not belong to. Since 2011, we have been culturally appropriating the image of the Inuit knife … Continue reading We are changing our logo
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Urban Library Trauma Study Final Report
Almost every library worker has a story about one event at work that left them shaken. Sometimes it’s an abusive patron, sometimes it’s workplace bullying, and sometimes it’s that haunting feeling left behind when a patron needed more help than you could provide. The Urban Library Trauma Study (ULTS) looked to take these anecdotal stories, … Continue reading Urban Library Trauma Study Final Report
Announcing Leadership Changes at Urban Librarians Unite!
It is with great joy and optimism that I report that as of today, May 20th, I have stepped down as Executive Director of Urban Librarians Unite. My colleague, creative partner, and friend Lauren Comito will be stepping into this role and will do an amazing job of it as we enter a new stage … Continue reading Announcing Leadership Changes at Urban Librarians Unite!
Apply to be a Research Fellow!
Spring/Summer 2022 Semester Urban Librarians Unite is seeking a research fellow to collaborate with us on the Urban Library Trauma Study Report. This 16 week fellowship will focus on drafting, promoting and distributing the final report for the Urban Library Trauma study based on the work completed at the March Forum. Candidates should be library … Continue reading Apply to be a Research Fellow!
Billee’s Book Fund for Migrant Children
In memory of Billee Zabriskie and with deep love for her family we are raising funds to continue the work ULU started during her life and provide more books for the children she cared so much about.
Black Lives Matter
Urban Librarians Unite stands with BCALA and REFORMA against the system of white supremacy and subjugation that has been baked into American society since before our founding.
NYC Library Budget Advocacy and You
It's a difficult time for library advocacy Physical library buildings are closed, local budgets are heavily impacted by a lack of revenue, and while the NYC Library budget is largely flat, the future is uncertain. As the Covid-19 pandemic drags on, continued revenue shortages may make libraries a tempting target for budget cuts which could … Continue reading NYC Library Budget Advocacy and You
ULU Releases 2023 City Council Candidate Questionnaire Results
Organizers at Urban Librarians Unite have published the responses for City Council candidates running for office in New York City in 2023. Our eleven question survey focuses on the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read, library worker conditions, and city funding for public library services and capital needs. We hope these responses will help you … Continue reading ULU Releases 2023 City Council Candidate Questionnaire Results
Drag Story Hour Planning and Safety Support Guide
In recent months we have seen protests against Drag Story Hour across the country and they are feeling scarier and more aggressive all the time. We are proud of our colleagues who have the courage to do Drag Story Hour and we want to help them get the support they need as they provide their … Continue reading Drag Story Hour Planning and Safety Support Guide
Webinar! What You Need To Know About New York State Public Librarian Certification With Frank Rees
Are you a new or relatively new public librarian in New York State? Struggling to figure out how to track and report your professional development? This free webinar will provide an overview of the public librarian certification process, including professional development requirements and resources. Get answers to all your certification questions and keep your librarian … Continue reading Webinar! What You Need To Know About New York State Public Librarian Certification With Frank Rees
Library Trauma Cycle
It’s been a quiet few months at my branch, but not June, June wasn’t really quiet at all. During June, I experienced two separate incidents in which men approached me aggressively at work, leading me to feel unsafe. In the first incident, a patron who was frustrated attempted to get past another staff member to … Continue reading Library Trauma Cycle