UPCOMING ULC EVENT
Advancing Digital Equity Through Federal Programs and Library Partnerships Webinar
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United States
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Join national library associations to learn more about how libraries will be leading opportunities created through the Digital Equity Act, which provides $2.75 billion to states through grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. The webinar will feature a conversation between The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) along with public and state library leaders, who will share an update on their collaborations to bridge the digital equity gap.
Hear from library leaders involved in NTIA’s Digital Equity Leaders Network, which has developed statewide digital equity plans. These plans are designed to engage an ecosystem of local partners, especially libraries, who are working together to implement new opportunities with funding from the Digital Equity Act. NTIA seeks to expand broadband Internet access and adoption in the U.S., expand the use of spectrum by all users, and ensure that the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth.
This webinar is co-hosted by the American Library Association (ALA), Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL), Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC).
Speakers:
- Stephanie Bailey-White, State Librarian, Idaho Commission for Libraries
- Michelle Jeske, City Librarian and Executive Director, Denver Public Library
- Angie Thi-Bennett, Digital Equity Director, National Telecom and Information Administration (NTIA)
- Moderator: Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council
Agenda:
- Understanding the Digital Equity Act:
- Gain insights into the Digital Equity Act and its impact on equitable access.
- Learn about the allocation of $2.75 billion for digital equity grant programs.
- Libraries and Statewide Efforts and Collaboration:
- Hear from library leaders involved in NTIA’s Digital Equity Leaders Network.
- Explore statewide digital equity plans that engage local partners, including libraries.
- Discover how these plans drive innovative opportunities for communities.
- Prioritizing People in Digital Inclusion:
- Focusing on people-centric approaches to digital equity.
- Addressing education, healthcare, and public safety needs.
QUESTIONS? Contact [email protected] for help with this event.
Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council
Brooks serves as President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council, an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of more than 160 leading North American public libraries. Under his leadership, ULC champions the future of public libraries by engaging and uplifting members, focusing intently on equity and inclusion and leading on core policy issues that drive our communities forward. Throughout his career, Brooks has worked to advance urban policies that expand local democracy and provide funding for local programs related to economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and sustainability. Prior to joining ULC in July 2022, Brooks served as Senior Executive & Director, the Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities where he drove the organization’s research agenda and oversaw technical assistance efforts and leadership education. Brooks holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Stephanie Bailey-White, State Librarian, Idaho Commission for Libraries
Stephanie Bailey-White has been with the Idaho Commission for Libraries for 33 years, starting in 1991 as the Commission’s Public Information Officer. In 1997 she helped get the Read to Me early literacy program up and running and in 2016 she moved into the Deputy State Librarian position, followed by the State Librarian role in 2019. A favorite part of her job is visiting libraries around the state to see programs and services in action. She loves being part of the Idaho library community and living in such a beautiful state.
Michelle Jeske, City Librarian and Executive Director, Denver Public Library
Michelle Jeske is Denver’s City Librarian and Executive Director of the Denver Public Library. Michelle has also held positions at TLC CARL Corporation, San Antonio Public Library and New York Public Library. She has served as both President and Director-at-Large on the Public Library Association Board and Board Chair of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries. She has been named Colorado Librarian of the Year, Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and Public Library Association (PLA) Leadership Fellow. Michelle is a member of the International Women’s Forum and Metro Denver Impact 100 and serves on Mayor Johnston’s leadership team. Michelle is a passionate advocate for the public library’s democratic role in the community and is active in numerous city and community efforts focused on youth and community engagement.
Under Michelle’s leadership, Denver Public Library has successfully raised funds to build three new libraries and renovate twelve more including its Central Library; grown its digital equity, older adults, and new Americans programs; executed a community engagement-centered and staff-driven strategic roadmap; and recently, led the effort to secure a first-ever voter-approved dedicated funding stream resulting in a 35% 2023 budget increase.
Angela Thi-Bennett, US Department of Commerce, NTIA
Angela Thi-Bennett directs the allocation of the $2.75 billion Digital Equity Program and help develop guidelines for states to strategically utilize these funds to have a transformative impact in their communities. Angela said of her new role, “As my ability to serve scales to the national level, I remain steadfastly committed to amplifying marginalized voices, empowering local communities to drive solutions, and creating shared standards of metrics to inform interventions and create accountability.”
Throughout her career, Angela has focused on community work and improving the quality of life in her Cleveland and greater Ohio communities. Her vast community and public sector experience includes leading East Cleveland’s Department of Community and Economic Development, serving as Superintendent of a community school in Cleveland, and the Ohio State Board of Education. In her previous work at a community-based internet service provider, she was instrumental in growing the customer base and helping over 1,500 individuals benefit from affordable digital access during the height of the pandemic. Angela is an advocate and ambassador for equity and inclusion, using her network and voice to elicit social change.
Angela graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degree in 1996. She is also a certified LEED Green Associate.