It’s amazing what can happen when community needs bring together the right people and the right resources to create incredible opportunities and innovations. The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) recently named their 2024 Top Innovators – a group of public libraries filled with success stories rooted in strategic programs that address community needs. At Innovative™, we’re inspired by these achievements and the commitment these libraries have to fostering learning, connection, and technological advancement.
We are also excited to share that we at Innovative work directly with four libraries honored by the ULC this year. Be sure to find out more about them and their projects below:
Advocacy and Awareness
San Francisco Public Library (CA) embraces its role as the most democratic of institutions, providing safe and welcoming facilities for all. The project that caught the ULC’s eye is Bay Beats, launched by the SFPL in 2023, is a free local music streaming platform that highlights the Bay Area’s musical talent. The library has established a strong network with local music schools and influencers, connecting musicians with music enthusiasts.
Equity and Inclusion
Miami-Dade Public Library System (FL) includes 50 libraries, 2 bookmobiles and one technobus. With nearly 6.8 million library visitors each year, the library saw the opportunity to better serve the population with neurodevelopmental disorders by making the library a safe space. They established autism-friendly spaces across all locations, offering a variety of sensory-friendly programs and events tailored for families, children with special needs, and neurodiverse individuals. Library staff have received essential training to deepen their understanding of neurodivergent perspectives, ensuring accommodations and a warm welcome for everyone in the library community.
Health and Wellness
Denver Public Library (CO) takes great pride in designing programs and services for the unique neighborhoods and communities that each branch library serves. Notably, they have been recognized for partnering with a nonprofit called GrowHaus to help establish a food box program in neighborhoods affected by a lack of healthy food. Since then, they have successfully distributed more than 630,000 meals.
Workforce and Economic Development
Gwinnett County Public Library (GA) provides free access to cutting edge technology for children and adults to gain valuable skills and knowledge. The program that earned them recognition is the New Start Entrepreneurship Incubator, which provides mentors to formerly incarcerated individuals starting their own businesses. Program graduates have successfully launched 10 new businesses. Gwinnett has consistently demonstrated innovation, earning recognition from the ULC for multiple past initiatives.
Additionally, six other libraries earned honorable mentions as ULC Top Innovators. Read more about all the winners on the ULC website. Congratulations to all participants and keep innovating!