Giving FAQs
Did you know that more than 80% of our funding comes from community members like you? As a PPL donor, you are essential to our mission to engage learners, inspire thinkers, and connect diverse communities.
Do not underestimate the impact of your investment in the Library. Without you, the Library's innovative programs and services – Rhode Coders, Passport to Summer Learning, and RIFLI ESL, to name a few – our special collections, and our expert staff would cease to exist.
Your generosity ensures that the 225,000 individuals who walk through the Library's doors each year – regardless of economic position, neighborhood or native language – will have the opportunity to grow intellectually and achieve their fullest potential. By investing in the Library, you are investing in making the dreams of your community a reality.
No! Despite its name, Providence Public Library is a private library. The Library is governed by a Board of Trustees – representing a cross section of Rhode Islanders – who volunteer their time and talent to ensure the health, growth, and long-term sustainability of the organization.
Donations:
Over 80% of our funding comes from community members like you! We also receive funding from family, private and corporate foundations, federal and state grants, and federal appropriations.
An Endowment:
Past PPL donors have left us a legacy – a sum of money donated to the organization over its 148-year history. The Library receives annual interest income from the endowment's investments.
State of Rhode Island Grant-in-Aid:
All public libraries in the state receive money through the Library Grant-in-aid program, which provides a 25 percent match against local library spending. PPL receives a 25 percent match on its annual contribution from its endowment.
At Providence Public Library, we are passionate about giving you opportunities to see your gift in action. We would be thrilled to arrange for you to visit one of our education programs, spend an afternoon exploring our Special Collections, have a conversation with a staff member or program participant, and/or peruse the Library's public financial reports. We want you to be confident in the investment you make in our organization and proud to be a PPL donor.
To see a snapshot of the impact you are making, view our annual report.
To arrange a visit, tour, or coffee with a staff member, please reach out to Beth Plummer-Ricci, Director of External Relations, at bricci@provlib.org or 401-455-8074.
For more information please contact Beth Plummer-Ricci, Director of External Relations, at 401-455-8074 or at bricci@provlib.org.