2021 -- H 5341

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LC001368

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

THANKING PROVIDENCE COMMUNITY LIBRARIES FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO

PROVIDING VITAL COMMUNITY SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COVID-19

PANDEMIC

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Blazejewski, Kislak, Williams, Ajello, Filippi,
Lombardi, Shekarchi, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: February 04, 2021

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Literacy skills are essential for effective participation in our democracy, in

the workplace, and in the community. Lady Bird Johnson once said, "Perhaps no place in any

community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is

interest"; and

     WHEREAS, Providence Community Library was founded in 2009 and currently

encompasses locations in nine neighborhoods within the City of Providence, as well as the Big

Red Bus that travels to various schools in the City; and

     WHEREAS, Serving a culturally rich and diverse population, Providence Community

Library has adapted to their patrons' "evolving reading and information needs with a diverse staff

that delivers relevant library resources and programs, cultivates meaningful partnerships and

promotes vibrant neighborhoods"; and

     WHEREAS, Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Providence Community Library

has adopted creative strategies to support the Providence community through daily virtual

programming, free audiobook subscriptions, takeaway activity bags for youth, curbside book

pick-ups, printing services, and limited indoor browsing; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, with the exception of Knight Memorial Library, which is being

renovated, the Providence Community Library locations have maintained regular scheduled hours

for essential services including free COVID-19 testing at Smith Hill Library; and

     WHEREAS, Despite the uncertainty around COVID-19 guidelines and sources of

funding, Providence Community Libraries and staff members have persevered through these

challenges in order to support the communities they serve; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

thanks the administration and staff of Providence Community Library for their dedication to

providing vital community services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Cheryl Space, Library Director, Providence

Community Library.

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