Public libraries are essential to building educated, economically strong communities, advancing social equity, and supporting healthy democracies. Libraries provide critical resources that empower individuals and strengthen communities, creating spaces for connection, growth, and opportunity. Achieving these goals, however, requires powerful advocacy and strategic communication to drive awareness and inspire action. The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) is an innovation and action tank of North America’s leading public library systems. Through forward-thinking research and strategic partnerships, we highlight the indispensable role of libraries as community anchors, providing unique and irreplaceable value that no other institution can offer. ULC champions the power of libraries to t