News Release

04/23/09 Library Trustees Agree to City Offer to Take Over Neighborhood Branch Operations

Providence Public Library (PPL) Board of Trustees today voted to begin transitioning operational control of neighborhood branches to the City. The vote followed lengthy discussion about the value of community-based library services administered by their municipality.

“I applaud the decision by the Mayor and City officials to assume full responsibility for the funding and operation of branch library services for residents of Providence,” said PPL Board Chair William Simmons. “This decision establishes the necessary relationship between Providence library patrons and their elected officials responsible for funding the library services with tax dollars. In turn, this represents the best opportunity for continued, vital neighborhood library services for all City residents and will enable PPL to focus on securing strong core library services for all Rhode Island residents.”

In order to ensure uninterrupted service at the nine branch libraries, the Board stipulated that the transition must be completed in time for the start of the next fiscal year on July 1, 2009.

Recognizing that the role of library branches is different than that of the broader unique library services provided by the PPL at its Central Library, representatives from both the newly formed Providence Community Library and the PPL say the two systems will support and complement each other.

“PPL stands ready to work with the City and the Providence Community Library to support a smooth transition of branch library operations,” said PPL Vice Chair Robert Taylor. “Our main objective will be to ensure uninterrupted service for library patrons, particularly during this difficult economic climate when so many people are turning to their libraries for important services.”

While it is unclear how many employees the City and Providence Community Library will have under its new system, the Providence Public Library, as required by law will begin issuing layoff notices to allow for the transition of employees and payroll to the new entity.

The Board also asked the Mayor for more details concerning his suggestion that the City assume control of the Central Library. However, the Providence Public Library has already started its own planning to reinvigorate the Central Library in keeping with its broader statewide mission as a vital 21st century library for residents in Providence and Rhode Island.

“While initially it will be a difficult first year, our planning is not just for one year or even two, but for the next 100 years and we have everything we need to field a first class library,” said Bill Simmons.