2026 RILA Awards
The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) presented its annual awards at this year’s two day conference (May 20 - 21, 2026) at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in Kingston, RI. This year’s conference theme was “Libraries at the Heart of America’s Story.”
“We had an outstanding group of honorees this year,” said RILA President Ben Hanley. “I was heartened by the generous and thoughtful letters, which were a lovely reminder of the great community of librarians and supporters in Rhode Island.”
The 2026 RILA Award Winners Are:
Library Trustee of the Year - Vincent Wicker, Past President of the Board of Trustees, Barrington Public Library
As president, Vince was thoughtful, calm, and deeply dedicated to the library’s mission. He quietly and consistently defended the library’s budget when needed, ensuring the library had the resources to succeed while earning the trust and respect of town leaders. His advocacy was grounded in a commitment to the community and a strong belief in the value of public libraries. His leadership was especially meaningful during difficult times, when libraries were increasingly being challenged simply for what they represent: access, inclusion, and the freedom to learn.
Outstanding Library Paraprofessional of the Year - Paula Dubord (posthumous), East Providence Public Library
In her tenure at East Providence Public Library, Paula Dubord built lasting relationships across the community, from book groups to nursing home staff and residents, and she strongly believed in minimizing barriers to library access, often giving patrons the benefit of the doubt. One patron who called her “Sister Paula” relied on her as a compassionate listener during difficult times, a reflection of how deeply she cared.
Meritorious Friends of the Library - The Rhode Island Freedom to Read Coalition
Two years ago, a small group of library supporters got together out of concern for the increase in book bans across the country as well as incidents of soft censorship here in Rhode Island. This group grew a grassroots effort into a coalition of hundreds of library champions and Rhode Island residents that truly gave a masterclass on building an impactful statewide outreach campaign that resulted in the successful passing of the groundbreaking Freedom to Read bill in Rhode Island in 2025. We wish to honor the Freedom to Read Coalition for their significant contributions that will protect library workers, authors, teachers and readers across Rhode Island for generations to come.
Library Champions -State Senator Mark McKenney and State Representative David Morales
Senator McKenney has been a longtime advocate and champion for libraries. Before his election to the Senate, Mark served on the Library Board of Rhode Island from 2001-2013 and served as Chair from 2001-2010. Along with other Rhode Island advocates and librarians, he attended the ALA National Library Legislative Day on several occasions and advocated for federal funding for libraries. Mark also served on the Board of Trustees of both the Providence Public Library and the Community Libraries of Providence.
Representative Morales is a champion for the power of public libraries in meeting community needs, in particular working class families. He is a regular visitor at the Mt. Pleasant Library in Providence and has secured annual legislative grants to support the library. As his alter-ego, Spiderman, David thrills families at story times around the city. In April 2022, Representative Morales launched a 9-library advocacy event, inviting other state and local officials to join him, to highlight the work of the Community Libraries of Providence and to express the urgent need for full state funding for libraries in Rhode Island.
David and Mark have been the lead sponsors of some of the most important library related legislation in the past several years, including State aid for libraries, eBook pricing, and the Freedom to Read Act, which would not have become law without their leadership and advocacy. They worked tirelessly with the Freedom to Read coalition to get these bills passed and signed into law.
Outstanding Librarian of the Year - Ed Garcia, Director, Cranston Public Library
During his time as Legislative Action chair, Ed has worked tirelessly during the legislative season, monitoring the hundreds of bills that get introduced at the beginning of the year. Last year, Ed was a leading member of the “Freedom to Read” coalition, and worked extensively with state Representative David Morales and state Senator Mark McKenney to introduce comprehensive legislation that covered a multitude of intellectual freedom updates to Rhode Island’s general laws.