Thinking about getting involved with RILA? Joining the executive board is a great opportunity to give back to the library community, work with other dedicated librarians, and expand your network. RILA opens the submission window in early 2027. The election occurs in April leading up to an announcement at the annual conference. At this time, the following positions are open: Vice President/President-Elect, Treasurer, Secretary, Member-at-Large (1), and Paraprofessional. Visit the RILA website to learn more about the positions or reach out to the RILA President.

https://rilibraries.org/page-1776191

On Saturday, September 19th, Tiverton Public Library celebrated the Grand Opening of its StoryWalk®.

The celebration began with a dedication of the new pathway, followed by our first official StoryWalk® program, where families could experience the story trail together for the very first time. Our story for September was “Monarch and Milkweed” by Helen Frost. At the end of the path, there were bubbles, music, food, and activities for children and families to enjoy.

This project would not have been possible without the generosity and support of many partners. StoryWalk® was made possible by generous grants from the Champlin Foundation, the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, Tiverton Power, the John Clarke Trust, Bally’s Tiverton, and the Tiverton Library Foundation. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to bringing enriching programs to our community.

We would also like to extend special thanks to David Fierbrand and the Groundswell Design Group, whose initial concept drawings helped inspire and shape this project from the very beginning. The current pathway around the library building was thoughtfully designed by Shannon Rozea of Thrive Outside and Joseph James of Eponymous Practice, whose expertise brought this vision to life.

https://tivertonlibrary.org/kids/construction-at-the-library/

The Cumberland Public Library’s Haunted Monastery is back for its third year - and this time, we’re taking a terrifying trip back in time!

In celebration of the library’s 50th anniversary, this year’s Haunted Monastery will pay tribute to the iconic horror films of the 1970s and ’80s. Guests will step into scenes inspired by classic favorites like Carrie, The Shining, and Poltergeist, brought to life throughout the library with plenty of scares along the way.

Horror fans and thrill-seekers won’t want to miss this nostalgic night of frights, featuring some of the most unforgettable movies from horror’s golden age.

October 24th, 2026 from 6-9 PM. Registration is not required. 

https://cumberlandlibrary.libcal.com/event/17723301

Get tickets for A Spooky Night a Night and have yourself a haunting good time! The annual Halloween Fundraiser from Community Libraries of Providence returns from the grave at the historic Knight Memorial Library with shocking appearances from The New England Witches Guild flash mob, out-of-this-world creatures from Big Nazo, and ghoulish dance grooves from DJ Phantom. Put on your spookiest attire and enjoy a monstrously good evening - you may win the contest! There will be food, cocktails, prize baskets and a cash bar at this 21+ event. Don't dare to miss this memorable library fundraiser from Community Libraries of Providence!

A Spooky Night at Knight
Date: Thursday, October 29
Time: 6:00PM - 9:30PM
Location: Knight Memorial Library
Ticket purchase required

Ticket URL: https://spooky26.funraise.org/

From ALA Press Release: The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library.

Funded projects have ranged from “A Resource Guide about Disabilities, Disability Theory, and Assistive Technologies” to “A Bibliography for Queer Teens” to “Graphic Novels & the Humanity of Mental Illness” to “Web Accessibility Resources for Libraries”.

Applications must be received by November 6, 2026. Recipients will be notified by February 2027.

For more information and guidelines, visit http://www.ala.org/offices/publishing/sundry/alapubawrds/carnegiewhitney or contact Mary Jo Bolduc, Grant Administrator at mbolduc@ala.org.

https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/sundry/alapubawrds/carnegiewhitney

The University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. Jacqueline ‘Jacquie’ Kociubuk received a $242,676 Early Career IMLS grant to help equip library staff to better serve self-care children ages 11-18 and their families. Self-care children, also called unattended children, are a commonly encountered after-school patron group that public library staff often struggle with determining how to best serve. The project aims to create a scalable model of training and practice through ethnographic and co-design work with self-care children, library staff, and caregivers. Data from these activities will support libraries in fostering youth belonging, community embeddedness, and leadership for self-care children and culminate in the national rollout of a website with training resources. Read the full press release HERE.

The Rhode Island Library Association extends its deepest sympathies to the family of Stephen D. Alves, former state senator and devoted lobbyist for the Rhode Island Library Association. Stephen’s care and attention to the success of the libraries of this state will not soon be forgotten. His sense of humor and wit, warm smile, and generous nature, combined with his deep understanding of state politics, contributed to the ongoing support we have for our communities’ libraries. His family and friends remain in our thoughts at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Stephen.

On July 21st, Rogers Free Library (RFL) celebrated the ceremonial Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the library's Community Learning Center, part of the Rhode Island Community Learning Center Network envisioned and authorized by Governor Daniel J. McKee. In addition to facility upgrades including the Library’s HVAC system, the Community Learning Center grant has added The Studio, RFL’s new makerspace, and three new quiet study spaces, and will support ongoing programming surrounding education, workforce development, and healthcare monitoring. State and local dignitaries, former and present library trustees and staff members, patrons, and community partners gathered to see the new space, along with hands-on demonstrations of new technological equipment.

Guided by the motto "Built in Bristol," The Studio offers community members access to innovative technology and hands-on learning opportunities. The space will feature a 3D printer and laser cutter, DoBot robotic arms for robotics instruction, equipment for converting photographs and home videos into digital formats, sewing machines, and additional creative tools that will support workshops, classes, and programs for all ages.

Newly constructed quiet study spaces have been designed for telehealth appointments, virtual job interviews, online learning, and other private meetings. Together, these new spaces strengthen the library's role as a community resource for education, workforce development, and health monitoring. As Bristol's "Go-To Place," the library remains dedicated to providing high-quality resources, technology, and educational opportunities for residents of all ages.

To learn more about upcoming programs in The Studio or to reserve a quiet study room, visit the Rogers Free Library website.

The historic Weaver Library Copper Beech tree has found new life as a public sculpture, preserving its deep roots in our community.

Estimated to be about 125 years old, the Copper Beech was officially recognized as a Rhode Island Champion Tree by the Rhode Island Tree Council in 2021. Unfortunately, that same year, the tree began to show signs of decline. Arborists evaluated its condition, and preservation efforts began in July 2021 to support the aging tree. Over the following years, ongoing care, including pruning, soil aeration, organic mulch, and protective fencing, helped extend its life. Despite these efforts, the tree ultimately succumbed to environmental damage and Beech Leaf Disease.

In spring 2023, to honor the tree's legacy, the Library invited local artists to submit designs for a painting celebrating the Copper Beech. Meg Ryanne Voyer, then an East Providence elementary school art teacher, was selected from nearly 50 entries. Her striking oil painting, now on display at Weaver Library, was unveiled during a reception on April 24, 2024.
Following the tree's final decline, Oregon-based sculptor Anthony Heinz May was selected through a competitive public art process funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as part of the City's public art initiative. Anthony is known for transforming fallen and dying trees into site-specific works that explore the relationship between nature and community.
Over the course of two weeks, Anthony carefully removed the bark, treated and sealed the trunk, and fashioned cubes from the tree's limbs. Using rebar, he reassembled the cubes in the same order the branches originally grew, then bent and shaped the steel to create a sense of movement and flow. As the sculpture took shape, community members of all ages stopped to watch, ask questions, and share memories of the beloved tree. The project became more than an art installation. It sparked conversations about history, nature, creativity, and community.

While we wish our Copper Beech could have stood for another hundred years, we are grateful that Anthony has given it a new chapter. His thoughtful use of reclaimed wood transformed the familiar trunk and branches into a lasting work of public art that honors the tree while preserving its story for future generations.

We invite you to experience the library tree sculpture in person. Photographs simply cannot capture the beauty, scale, and presence of this remarkable work of art.

Join us for our How-To Health Fair, where you'll find free health information, wellness resources, screenings, and local organizations dedicated to helping you and your family live healthier lives. Connect with experts, ask questions, and discover services available right here in your community!

August 22, 2026 10am to 1pm no registration required

www.eastprovidencelibrary.org