FRIENDS OF LIBRARY LOOK BACK AT SUCCESSFUL YEAR
Looking back at 2024, the Friends of the East Providence Public Library report that it was a very good year. Thanks to the support of the community for their fundraising book sales and donations of gently used books, the Friends were able to provide an unprecedented return on investment to residents of East Providence, as well as to schools, hospitals, and other service agencies in Rhode Island.
In 2024, the volunteer organization provided more than $30,000 for programs and services and donated more than 3,000 books to people of all ages to encourage reading and to promote lifelong learning. The largest contribution, $20,000, was made to Weaver Library for interior improvements to redesign the front of the library to better serve the needs of patrons.
Friends funded passes for library patrons to 15 museums for free or reduced admission.
They purchased a Nintendo Switch gaming system to encourage participation of teens in library programs.
Friends paid for a bench for patrons waiting outside the library for a ride.
They purchased chairs for the program room at Riverside Library and supported library programs, including the Summer Reading Program, Children’s and Teen Reading Programs and Summer Block Parties.
The Friends of the East Providence Public Library provided over 1,700 books for distribution at library-sponsored events, such as the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program, for families of patrons attending programs at Fuller Creative Learning Center, at Summer Block Parties, at Free Stuff Friday at Weaver Library’s Never-Ending Book Sale and at community events.
In addition, the Friends donated more than 1,500 books to schools, hospitals and agencies, including Providence Books Through Bars, Amos House, Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Veterans’ Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club of East Providence, The Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program, the East Providence Senior Center and Black Lives Matter RI.
Cheryl Muth, President of Friends of East Providence Public Library, thanks community for their generous support.
Residents can help to continue the efforts of The Friends by joining the group. Annual membership dues are $10 per person and can be paid at Weaver or Riverside Library or mailed to Friends of East Providence Public Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence, RI 02914. Donations are always welcome.