2025 RILA Awards
The Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) presented its annual awards at this year’s two day conference (May 21 -22, 2025) at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences in Kingston, RI. This year’s conference theme was “Anchored in Resilience.”
"The honorees were so fantastic this year,” said RILA President Beatrice Pulliam. “Every nomination letter was a reminder that we have a wonderful community of library staff and supporters."
The 2025 RILA Award Winners Are:
Library Champion - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
Senator Reed has been a steadfast advocate for libraries throughout his extensive service in the United States Senate. He led the reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) in 2003, 2010, and 2017-2018. MLSA is the federal statute that authorizes the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and provides much of the federal funding for libraries, including the Grants to States program. In 2012, Senator Reed spearheaded the creation of the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program and worked to codify IAL in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015.
“Throughout his decades of service in Congress, Senator Reed has been a tireless library champion, and he continues to lead efforts to increase funding for LSTA and IAL, reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act, and preserve the important work of IMLS. Senator Jack Reed is truly deserving of the RILA Library Champion Award,” said Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Dorothy Swain, Former Library Director, Greenville Public Library
Former Library Director Dorothy Swain has been a member of the Rhode Island Library Community for over 50 years and has been an active RILA member for decades. She has served on RILA Committees such as Membership and was a cofounder of the RILA Mentorship program along with Kieran Ayton in 2019. Dorothy’s nomination included 8 letters of support, all remarking on the impact of Dorothy’s mentorship and her leadership. Kieran Ayton, Associate Professor, Electronic Resources & Technology Librarian, says: “Dorothy has always made people feel worthy and feel heard and feel that their contributions to the library profession, no matter how big or small, are worthy.”
Outstanding Library Paraprofessional of the Year (3)
Cheryl Parent, Circulation Assistant at George Hail Free Library in Warren
Cheryl Parent recently celebrated her fortieth anniversary at the George Hail Free Library. Cheryl has stories ranging from the ordinary, to the ridiculous and everything in between. From pigeons in the chimneys to the library overflowing with patrons during the library’s Gingerbread Cookie event, she has seen it all. “It is with profound gratitude for Cheryl’s many years of service at the George Hail Free Library that we nominate her as RILA’s Outstanding Paraprofessional Award,” says Meredith Richards, Adult Services Librarian at George Hail Free Library.
Liz D’Amore, Deputy Director, North Providence Public Library (honorable mention)
“Paraprofessionals are often the backbone of a library. Liz D’Amore is not only the backbone of North Providence Union Free Library, she is also the heart. Understanding people is a leadership skill that can go unnoticed and be undervalued, but Liz is more than valued, she is beloved,” says Lynda LaCava, Assistant Youth Services Coordinator, North Providence Union Free Library.
Lisa Haley, Children’s Assistant, Cumberland Public Library (honorable mention)
“Lisa has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, skill, and a positive impact on our library and the Cumberland community as a longstanding employee of the Children’s Room. Lisa's contributions go far beyond her assigned duties, and she is a true asset to our library staff,” says Jacob Lotter, Assistant Director, Cumberland Public Library.
The Rhode Island Library Association is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action. The core vision of RILA is to inspire and promote excellence in library services, through training, innovation, and advocacy.