Oct. 3, 2024 — The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, has named San Francisco Public Library as a Top Innovator for 2024. This recognition is in honor of San Francisco Public Library’s Bay Beats music streaming platform, which promotes the music of Bay Area musicians to support and get out the word about the local thriving music scene.

“Bay Beats was a passion project that came from a team of staff dedicated to the mission of promoting and uplifting Bay Area musicians,” said Michael Lambert, City Librarian. “That passion fueled an intensive outreach effort and key partnerships to solicit a competitive list of music submissions that ultimately created a robust catalog that rivals anything you’d find on a paid music streaming app.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential, public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

San Francisco Public Library’s Bay Beats was selected as a Top Innovator by a distinguished panel of judges. The project won in the category of Advocacy and Awareness for its originality, measurable outcomes, and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

Bay Beats, which launched in 2023, is a free music streaming platform spotlighting the music of the nine Bay Area counties in all genres and for all ages. During its submission periods, which occur annually, musicians are encouraged to submit their music for consideration. The team reaches out to respected musicians, DJs, music instructors who are genre experts to serve as Community Jurors. These are also Bay Beats ambassadors, letting their extensive networks know about the opportunity. During its 2023 solicitation process, the team also researched 275 contacts throughout the Bay Area, including music schools, record stores, rehearsal studios, clubs and bars to conduct a publicity blitz. Lastly, a key partnership developed with famed Bay Area music store Amoeba Music, who helped promote the platform. Ultimately, Bay Beats received more than 600 submissions for 150 spots. 

Anyone around the world can listen to albums on Bay Beats free, with or without a library card, at baybeats.sfpl.org. An SFPL library card allows people to download the music. The group has just finalized its 2024 catalog, to be released on Saturday, November 2. A launch party featuring four Bay Beats artists will be held that day at SFPL’s Richmond Branch.

Six public libraries received the “Top Innovator” designation, and six libraries received an honorable mention recognition for their work. There is one top innovator and one honorable mention for each award category.

“This year’s Innovation Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Information about the winning project from San Francisco Public Library and that of other honorees is available on the ULC website at www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.