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

Legislative Action is pleased to announce that legislation regarding the fair licensing of library ebooks in the state of Rhode Island has become law. The new law is in response to the struggles the state’s publicly-funded libraries have been having with the exceptionally high prices and disappearing licenses offered from the publishing industry. Legislative Action has been working on different versions of this bill since 2020.

“For the past several years, most major publishers are currently charging libraries up to ten times the cost of ebooks and audiobooks than they are charging consumers," said Kiki Butler, President of RILA. “Because the ebooks are licenses, they are set to expire after 12 or 24 months, or a small number of checkouts, and then our libraries must repurchase ebooks and audiobooks over and over again to meet demand, at the same high prices each time. It’s unsustainable.”

Legislative Action committee members Julie Holden, Eileen Dyer, Aimee Fontaine, and President Kiki Butler testified at hearings for House bill 7606, introduced by Rep. Lauren Carson (D, District 75) and Senate bill 2525, introduced by Senator Mark McKenney (D, District 30). These identical bills use our state’s contract law and consumer protection law to put RI libraries on a fair playing field in the marketplace. However, the Rhode Island law will not go into effect until four other states pass similar laws, known as a "trigger clause."

The bills were written using the nonprofit eBook Study Group model legislation. Similar legislation has become law in Connecticut and Washington DC, and might soon become law in New Jersey and Illinois, pending the outcomes of their respective sessions.

RILA thanks lawmakers at the General Assembly for the near-unanimous vote to bring these bills over the finish line; our RILA lobbyists Kaitlyn Alves and Robert Jacquard for their tremendous work, Rep. Joseph Solomon Jr. (D, District 22) and Senator Hanna Gallo (D, District 27) for their steadfast leadership at the committee level; Stephen Spohn of Ocean State Libraries, Legislative Action Chair Cheryl Space, and Vice Chair Ed Garcia for their guidance and support; and the many, many RILA members who wrote letters of support and spoke up across the state about this issue. 

The faculty and staff of GSIS are pleased to announce that the MLIS program has been granted continued accreditation by the American Library Association. This is the culmination of two years of work for the self-study and site visit. We thank the university administration, our students, alumni, friends, and advisory Board for their continued support and assitance throughout this process.

GSLIS is pleased to announce that a new faculty member will be joining us as of this fall, Dr. Melissa P. Johnston. Dr. Johnston joins us as an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the School Library Media Program. She worked as a school librarian for 13 years in Georgia before obtaining her PhD at Florida State University. She has served as School Library Media Coordinator at the University of Kentucky and the University of Alabama, and as a senior faculty member in the School Library Media Program at the University of West Georgia. Dr. Johnston’s research and publications focus on the school librarian’s leadership role in integrating technology. She is the author of numerous articles in refereed journals such as School Library Research and School Libraries Worldwide. Dr. Johnston was Co-PI for the REALISD Project, an IMLS-funded grant, to provide professional development for rural school librarians to support STEM education efforts in their schools and Co-PI on the IMLS research grant Online Ready: Designing Culturally Competent and Impactful K-12 Online Learning. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the International Association of School Librarians and as the Co-Editor of School Libraries Worldwide. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Johnston to our faculty!

GSLIS is also happy to announce that Dr. Julie LaDell-Thomas has been promoted to Associate Teaching Professor. She teaches graduate courses in library leadership, information science and technology, reference and information services, library instruction, and academic librarianship. Before joining URI, Dr. LaDell-Thomas taught at PennWest Clarion University and held academic library positions at the Savannah College of Art and Design and Central Michigan University, where she specialized in supporting online and distance learners. She earned a doctorate in Educational Technology from Central Michigan University and an MLIS from the University of South Carolina. Her scholarship explores educational technology, online learning, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in library and information science education.  

The Louttit Library in West Greenwich is celebrating 75 years this June! A former one room school house, the building was converted into a library in 1951. To celebrate 75 years, the library will have a birthday party on June 27 with a petting zoo, face painting, and of course, cake and ice cream!

Saturday, June 27 from 1-3pm - no registration

The William H. Hall Free Library celebrated its 100th anniversary with a free community celebration on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The event featured a speaking program, live music from the past century, family-friendly activities, and light refreshments.

Community members, local leaders, and library supporters came out to commemorate a century of learning, connection, and service.

The William H. Hall Free Library Board of Trustees hosted the event with support from Cranston Public Library.

With summer around the corner, it’s the perfect time to help your visitors plan meaningful, enriching local experiences. Public libraries are warmly invited to join in the Tomaquag Museum museum pass program—a simple, impactful way to give patrons low-barrier access to Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary perspectives all summer long.

Returning visitors won’t recognize the Museum thanks to a complete gallery redesign! The new exhibition, Revolution to Reclamation: Freedom through Indigenous Sovereignty, centers Indigenous voices and perspectives to reframe America’s 250th anniversary, asking a powerful question: what does freedom mean—and who was it meant for? The exhibition moves beyond Revolution-era commemoration to connect past and present through land, freedom, and enduring Indigenous presence.

As summer travel, learning, and exploration plans take shape, now is the time to secure museum passes. Libraries interested in joining or renewing participation in the museum pass program can contact Heather Kisilywicz at heatherk@tomaquagmuseum.org for details on access, scheduling, and distribution options.

Cumberland Library is celebrating 50 years since three tiny libraries came together. We had a successful Open House which reunited a number of past employees and gave patrons the chance to tour behind the scenes. Our next event is a Carnival celebrating not only 50 years, but our member families. There will be a circus show, face painting, carnival games, food trucks and more! The Carnival will be on our Front Lawn. All are welcome. Sponsored by the Cumberland Library Fund.

Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. No registration required

www.cumberlandlibrary.org