News Release

04/03/09 Library Trustees to Explore Transferring Operation of Branch Libraries to Providence Community Library; Board Sees New Group as Possible Best Opportunity for Continuing Neighborhood Branch Library Services

In a desire to see neighborhood library services continue in Providence and to support what may be the best opportunity for branches to remain open, the Board of Trustees of Providence Public Library (PPL) yesterday voted to explore with the newly formed Providence Community Library (PCL) the transfer of control for operations of its citywide neighborhood branch libraries.

The decision followed reports by PPL Board Chair William Simmons and Vice Chair Robert Taylor on recent developments with the City of Providence, as well as the recognition of growing political and community support of the PCL.

“I believe we all agree that the neighborhood services provided at the branch libraries are important and worth pursuing. Providence Public Library has been able to maintain services at all nine branches and the Central Library by covering deficits with funds from its endowment,” said PPL Board Chair William Simmons. “However, due to the national economic crisis, which has ravaged the Library’s endowment, that option no longer exists.”

The Library is currently funding an anticipated $1.4 million deficit for fiscal year 2009 operations.

While noting that PPL has repeatedly determined it can no longer afford to operate the existing system with the funding available, Vice Chair Robert Taylor recognized the community’s substantial support for the PCL’s proposal to operate the nine neighborhood libraries, including the support of the Providence City Council.

“The members of the PCL are obviously very committed to their mission and have considerable community support. I think we should explore giving the PCL a chance to operate our facilities with City money and look for ways to initially help in the transition. I think we owe it to everyone to explore how PPL may be able to support the PCL’s plan to assume operations,” said Taylor.

Taylor and Simmons reported varied ongoing discussions with members of the PCL since they announced their proposal in December, including participating in recent PCL-sponsored community meetings to introduce their plan, as well as sharing of information to enable PCL to refine its proposal. “We’ve already begun discussing with the PCL how a transition might work for there to be as little disruption as possible for branch services,” said Taylor.

“I’m delighted,” said PCL founding member Linda Kushner, responding to the Board following its vote. “I’m very pleased that PPL and PCL will be looking into seeing how we can provide the best library services to the people of Providence,” she said.