The Cumberland Public Library joined three smaller libraries to create a larger library to support the town of Cumberland in 1976. The Arnold Mills Community Library, the Sherman LeClerc Library and Valley Falls Library were all small neighborhood libraries that did not fulfill state standards. In 1976, the town merged the three and housed them in the former Lady of the Valley Monastery, which had been purchased by the town in the early 70’s. The building was dedicated to Edward Hayden on June 20, 1976. Hayden had been the town manager who organized the purchase of the Monastery building along with 500 acres of land.

The Library is celebrating our 50 years with an Open House for patrons on March 26th and inviting former staff and trustees to a small reception. We are also holding a carnival on June 20th on the front lawn for families. Our annual Haunted Monastery will have a 70’s Horror movie theme. We end the year with a disco!

Everyone is invited as we celebrate.

The Rhode Island Genealogical Society welcomes applications for small amounts of funding in support of purchases, content, or preservation of records for those researching Rhode Island ancestors. Public or nonprofit libraries in Rhode Island, or nonprofit organizations serving as repositories, are welcome to apply for funding. Awards typically range from $300 to $ 2,000. All awards will require a final report within twelve months.

Please copy the following questions into an email and answer each one. Email should be sent to outreach@rigensoc.org. The application deadline is extended to April 15, and awards will be announced at the RIGS Annual Meeting in May; letters of award/decline will follow. 

rigensoc.org

Calling all Coventry students! In celebration of "Rhode Island 250," the 250th anniversary of the signing of the nation's Declaration of Independence, Coventry is holding a town-wide student art contest for grades Kindergarten - 12th grade, culminating in an art reception extravaganza! Winners will receive gift cards, trophies and medals! Any K-12 grade student who resides in Coventry is eligible to submit art work.

In the spirit of RI250, the theme is "Historical Coventry: A Celebration in Art" and we encourage submissions to be based on any aspect of Coventry history, from any time period. Looking for inspiration? Ask a librarian! See Rules & Guidelines for more details.

Student art submission accepted 7 days a week during open hours between April 20 - May 3 at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road The Art Show & Reception is on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Coventry Community Learning Center (Annex), 1675 Flat River Road.

https://coventrylibrary.org/historical-coventry-celebration-art-student-art-contest

On the hunt for epic events to host at your library, school, or church? Then we have an event for you. Come meet creatives for hire at this drop in meet and greet fair.

February 26, Thursday from 4pm to 6pm. Snow Date March 5th.

https://warwicklibrary.libcal.com/event/15571250

Please join us as Smithfield native, Justin Mott—now based in Vietnam—shares stories and lessons from nearly two decades behind the camera. Justin’s talk explores how he uses personal projects to stay inspired throughout a career that spans more than 100 New York Times assignments, global commercial campaigns, and an award-winning documentary film. He is also the former host and judge of the History Channel series Photo Face-Off.

Through his ongoing Kindred Guardians project, which documents people who devote their lives to helping animals, Justin shows how personal work can fuel creativity, sustain passion, and offer anyone a meaningful way to create and contribute. Mott's work and portfolio can be viewed at www.justinmott.com.

Monday, December 29th at 6pm at The East Smithfield Public Library, yes please register

https://myespl.libcal.com/event/15674836

Showcase your talents and offerings, connect with RI librarians and teachers, and book future events.

February 26, 2026 4-6pm at the Warwick Public Library. registration is required:

https://warwicklibrary.libcal.com/event/15571250

Join us on December 4th to meet Rhode Island resident, Paul Mellor.

To say that Paul had quite the summer in 2024 is an understatement. Beginning at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, Paul paddled the length of the 2300-mile Mississippi River to the Gulf. During that time from top to bottom he encountered beaver dams and log jams, floating debris and flying fish, bugs and barges, freighters and gators, wind and wonder, but as Paul says, the lasting memories came from the people he met along the way.

The author of Strokes of Kindness, paddling America’s most iconic river reveals the humanity of its people, Paul will share with us his experience down the mighty Mississippi River. You’re invited to climb onboard. Life jackets optional.

Paul Mellor is also the author of You're Almost There: Sights, Sounds and Exhilaration of Running a Marathon in All 50 States and Summerin the Saddle: A Bike Ride Across America.

Thursday, December 4th at 6:00pm.

All ages are welcome.

Registration is encouraged.

https://nprovlib.org/december-4th-paul-mellors-experience-down-mighty-mississippi-river

Rhode Island swept the NELA Games and Trivia this year, proving that the Ocean State is small but mighty when it comes to library smarts. In celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday, the NELA Games were regency themed and teams were challenged to create a three-minute skit inspired by Austen using random prompts and plot twists. Rhode Island’s quick wit, use of props (do you see those beautiful masks?) and creativity stole the show and upgraded us from the brain to the bong! Trivia was a harder victory, but some smart wagering during the final question ensured we took home the win. We hope that more Rhode Island library staff will join us in Vermont next October so we can defend our titles!

1,049 number-marked graves behind the Rhode Island Training School had been forgotten. See how students remembered them.

More than historical research, the Indigent Cemetery Project reflects on identity, belonging, and remembering. Join us as we spotlight the efforts by T-Time Productions and many volunteers, with support from the Rhode Island State Archives, in restoring and telling the stories buried in the indigent cemetery behind the Rhode Island Training School. The Rhode Island State Archives exhibit, "A Good for the Public: Public Social Welfare in Rhode Island," continues to tell many of these stories about State Institutions.

Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore, Theresa Moore, Founder of T-Time Productions and John Hill, Chair of the Cranston Historical Cemetery Commission, will highlight how the Rhode Island State Archives helped uncover and digitize historic records related to those buried in the cemetery. We’ll also explore how this project inspired new educational curriculum at the Rhode Island Training School and engaged volunteers in restoring the cemetery grounds behind the school.

All are welcome. We invite volunteers, teachers, local historians, reporters and cemetery commission members and anyone interested to join in celebrating the completion of this project.

Reserve your spot HERE

We are pleased to announce that our membership software company (Wild Apricot/Personify) has released a free member app, available for both Apple and Android.  With the RILA membership app, you can view your profile, edit your contact information, renew your membership right from your device, view your membership card to get discounts to local bookstores, see which events you are registered for, and more!

Please note: The member app cannot be branded as "RILA" at this time, so on your device it will just say "Member App" with this logo: