The RI State Library celebrated its 130th anniversary as a member of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) on September 22, 2025 with a series of passionate speakers and an enthusiastic group of library supporters in attendance at the RI State House. The State Library was established in 1852 to provide access to state government information and publications. While the Library began receiving federal government materials as early as 1886, it officially became a Federal Depository in 1895. Serving as a FDLP member library entails maintaining a physical collection of publications as well as, increasingly, providing research expertise as patrons navigate the vast collection of US publications and data online.  

The anniversary event was attended by over fifty guests and leaders from the library, archives and cultural community. The slate of speakers celebrated the fundamental right of public access to information and the value of libraries in preserving and providing access to government information as essential to maintaining an informed citizenry. Hosted by Secretary of State Gregg Amore and State Librarian Kate Wells, speakers included Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, General Treasurer James Diossa, RI Senator Mark McKenney and RI Representative David Morales, US Senator Jack Reed and Wendy Schiller of Brown University. In addition, the State Library recognized the twenty-five-year career and contributions of Federal Government Documents Librarian Ann Teixeira, who will be retiring on October 31, 2025. 

In celebration of Banned Books Week 2025, the Rhode Island Library Association partnered with the Rhode Island ACLU affiliate to host a discussion on the frequently challenged and historically banned book, 1984 by George Orwell. Local author and journalist Philip Eil read selected excerpts from 1984, sparking a thought-provoking and engaging discussion among the 100 attendees. The discussion explored the novel’s continued relevance, drawing connections between Orwell’s themes and contemporary issues today. 

Judy Akid is a Children's Associate at the North Providence Union Free Library. She can share her findings with us at a future library meeting or event. For her research report, please visit: https://engaged-learning.providence.edu/judy-akid-27/

From Providence College Political Science Department:

This summer, Judy Akid, a junior in Political Science, conducted research on how themes of social representation, identity, and politics are portrayed in Arab-American children's books. Working with Dr. Gizem Zencirci, chair of the Middle East Studies Program at Providence College, Judy built on her work experience at the North Providence Children's Library to design an original project. Rather than simply completing an assignment, she was "excited by the possibility of researching Arab-American children's books and their more in-depth political and social implications, and how they affect children's ability to help form their identities."

Judy’s research was supported by the Center for Engaged Learning. With the funding and guidance, she was able to gather books, identify key themes, and create a public-facing outlet for her findings through Instagram and an upcoming website. She also received valuable support fromLauri Hornik, President of Dial Books for Young Readers at Penguin Young Readers Group.

The result is a truly unique political science project that reflects on core issues in an area that many people might overlook. Judy found the greatest challenge was that each book opened new directions for future political research. Reflecting on her experience, she offered this advice to current and future students: "I would encourage every student who is curious or has a deep interest in anything to pursue research in it and try to learn as much as they can about it. Doing this research has truly been such an enriching opportunity to be a part of, and I would do it again if I could, and I would encourage students to apply to the Engaged Learning Summer Research Program."

https://engaged-learning.providence.edu/judy-akid-27/

Buy tickets NOW for CLPVD’s Halloween cocktail fundraiser and save 25% off the price! Put on your spookiest attire, invite family and friends and enjoy a monstrously good time!

Spooky Night at Knight will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 6:00PM -10:00PM at Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. Tickets are available for purchase and required for admission.

https://clpvd.networkforgood.com/events/88983-a-spooky-night-at-knight

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Rhode Island State Police, Hope Library hosted a one-of-a-kind family event: a Toy Slumber Party at the RI State Police Museum on Saturday, September 27 at 2:00 PM.

Children were invited to bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll for a special afternoon at the museum, followed by an unforgettable overnight adventure for their toys.

The fun began with a guided tour of the museum and a special showing of the beloved film Corduroy. Afterward, the children headed home, while their stuffed companions stayed behind to enjoy a night full of surprises with Trooper Boots, the RI State Police bear mascot.

As Trooper Boots lead the toys through their overnight escapades, museum and library staff captured the magic in photos. Each child received a personalized keepsake storybook, complete with highlights of their toy’s adventures, when they returned to pick them up the following morning, Sunday, September 28 at 10:00 AM.

Families were able to follow along in real-time by checking out updates on social media at #NightattheRIStatePoliceMuseum. 

The event was covered by Channel 10 News. Click HERE to read the full story. 

Join us for a discussion of the historically-banned book 1984 by George Orwell. 

A speaker will read excerpts from the novel, we will have a group discussion of the common themes between the book and current threats to our rights, and then ACLU staff will explain ways you can help protect our freedoms in Rhode Island. You’ll leave the event with a packet of resources and tools to take action!

This event is free and open to all. In collaboration with the Rhode Island Library Association. Please register here so the organizers know how many people to expect.

You do not have to read 1984 in advance, but we encourage you to get a copy from your local library or bookstore or to watch a film adaptation prior to the event!

*This event is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cranston Public Library.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with the 2026 RI Latino Books Award Nominees!

The RI Latino Books Award Committee is proud to announce the 2026 RI Latino Books Award Nominees, just in time for the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th.

The Rhode Island Latino Books Award and Rhode Island Latino Arts promote books for young readers, written by Latino/Latina/Latinx authors & illustrators.

Please visit our website to print out the flyer, book labels, poster, and for more information.

https://www.rilatinoarts.org/LatinoBooksAward.html

The George Hail Free Library has created an exhibit of items and documents dating back 250 years. You can see this in person or through our digital collection at https://www.georgehail.org/charles-whipple-greene-museum.

Opening Reception on September 19 from 5 to 8 pm. No registration required.

Curious about your roots but not sure where to begin? Join members of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society Board for a friendly, informative introduction to family history research.
This one-hour session covers:

• How to get started
• Organizing what you already know
• Using online tools
• The role of DNA in genealogy

Thank you to everyone who worked on the Freedom to Read bill from the very beginning to its passage on July 2! A ceremonial signing by Governor Dan McKee was held on August 12 at the Rochambeau Library in Providence. Present at the ceremony were the bill sponsors, Freedom to Read Coalition members, librarians, and community members. Thank you especially to bill sponsors Representative David Morales and Senator Mark McKenney, Freedom to Read Coalition members, RILA's Legislative Action Committee, Director of the Community Libraries of Providence Cheryl Space for hosting the event, and many others who have championed this bill from its inception into law. I also appreciate the support from Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Valarie Lawson, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley who were in attendance.

Enjoy several photos from the momentous event! Photos provided by Padma Venkatraman, Jeanette Bradley, and Geoff Visgili