April 2024 -- News, Programs & Events

Will you join us this 401Gives Day!

We're shining a light on a some folks who are near and dear to our heart...our library staff and the children and families who make our Children's Library a very special place at PPL!

This year, PPL is celebrating our Young Creators program, a series of workshops geared toward youth ages 6 - 12 years old. Each four-session workshop is expertly designed and presented by established professionals in various fields, bringing forth a diverse range of topics, from creative movement to STEM activities to music making.

These programs are designed to get kids thinking differently and encourage a curious mindset. And best of all, they are completely free to attend!

Young Creators is facilitated by PPL’s very own Bonnie Lilienthal. Take a listen to Bonnie’s inspired reflection on her role at the Library over the past 40 years, and the importance of letting people find their own place in this world. 

Join us and build a future full of innovators!

And Thank You, from everyone here at PPL.

READY, SET, LIBRARY! -- The 2024 National Library Week theme resonates with the fast-paced world we live in, reminding us that libraries are the go-to destination for something extraordinary. Libraries provide a space to connect, learn, and focus on what truly matters. Join us as we celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and promote library use and support.

At PPL, we are thrilled to present an array of exhibitions this spring, all beginning in April! See below for details on some and more news to come, but we welcome you to PPL for these exciting programs and events.

ON EXHIBITION at PPL . . .

Rhode Island Creatives Show/Carl Young Series

Prints by Jacques Bidon

March 18 - May 10

The exhibition will be on view during regular library hours in the Marble Staircase Community Gallery on the 3rd floor.

For a small city in the smallest state, Rhode Island has produced outsized Black artists in a variety of genres. In the 19th century, artists such as Sissieretta Jones, Nancy Elizabeth Prophet, and Christiana Cartreaux Bannister brought music, visual art, and style to the city. The 20th century saw artists such as Mahler B. Ryder and Cheryl Miller further Black art and design here and in the world. After attending Rhode Island School of Design (specifically to work with Ryder), Cheryl Miller went on to become a pioneering Black female graphic designer in the United States. Mahler Ryder, Illustration Professor at RISD, had an illustrious career that included a show at the Whitney Museum. Rhode Island continues to attract and produce artists, musicians, and designers of worldwide acclaim. The legacy that these past artists created lives on in the creative output of Rhode Island artists of all backgrounds today. We all stand on the shoulders of the greatness that came before.

— Ulli K. Ryder, Ph.D. 

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Funded by RISCA and The Department of Art, Culture and Tourism

Words From the Library

Prints by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., created in collaboration with librarians, staff, and patrons of PPL and Community Libraries of Providence

April 1 - May 10

The exhibition will be on view during regular hours throughout the entirety of the Library.

As part of the Southern Graphics International Conference happening in Providence April 3 - 7, 2024, Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. chose to create a new series of prints inspired by his love for, and in support of, public libraries. He began by gathering thoughts and experiences from librarians, staff, and patrons of Providence Public Library (PPL) and the Community Libraries of Providence, and translated them into exquisitely layered letterpress prints. These prints will hang throughout PPL and the Community Libraries of Providence. Thanks to Amos Paul Kennedy’s generosity, prints will be available after the conference for patrons of the respective libraries and as a fundraising tool for PPL and Community Libraries of Providence.



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This exhibition was organized by Dan Wood, local printer with DWRI Letterpress in Providence, in collaboration with SGCI. For inquiries about the conference or prints, please reach out to: dan@dwriletterpress.net.

Stand to Sea

April 1 - June 30

The exhibition will be on view during regular library hours around the Auditorium Lobby on the 3rd floor.

Stand to Sea is an exhibition of prints by Allison Bianco. At the top of the stairs on the third floor, the monumental six-foot copper plate etching imagines watery worlds through the lens of maritime artwork traditions. Bianco was awarded a RISCA Make Art Grant to work with Ben Watkins to create two site-specific frames that wrap around the corners of the Library's architecture. The rising sea of mythic proportions in the print comes in the form of seven waves that travel over hundreds of years, past whales and whaling ships, from the edges of faraway oceans to the Atlantic, where they reach land at the Point Street Bridge in Providence, RI on September 21, 1938. Bianco researched at Special Collections at PPL, blending a myriad of scrapbook references, aerial photographs, whaling log illustrations and sentiments of historic Japanese Kawaraban papers to produce a view of her home state of Rhode Island, with a bright and foreboding atmosphere.



Allison Bianco received her MFA in Printmaking from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, and her BA in Studio Art from Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA.

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Exhibition with Activations...

From Hold to Horizon

Created by Kei Soares Cobb and Becci Davis

April 6 - June 25

The exhibition will be on view in the Joan T. Boghossian Gallery on the 3rd floor during regular library hours.

From Hold to Horizon is an immersive voyage toward Liberation, an inquiry into our complicated relationship with the ocean, sovereignty, and economies of capture. Inside its walls is a space for locating oneself. Journals detailing the nineteenth century whaling voyages of Captain William Martin, one of New England's most prominent Black whaling-ship captains, will serve as our guide, leading us to explore a number of questions. Who are we? Where are we? What is happening around us? What are we experiencing together?

You are welcome to experience the space on your own. You are also invited to return on scheduled activation days to experience a guided journey of the horizon and journaling as rituals of transformation led by the artists.

You are welcome to experience the space on your own. You are also invited to return on scheduled activation days to experience a guided journey of the horizon and journaling as rituals of transformation led by the artists. Registration for planned activation days, listed below, is currently being finalized. Activation dates with registration links will be available on the PPL event calendar by Monday, April 1. 

Activation Schedule

Saturday, April 6, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday, April 20, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday, April 27, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday, May 4, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Saturday, May 11, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Monday, May 20, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Saturday, June 1, 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Monday, June 3, 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Kei Soares Cobb is a Cape Verdean-American sound designer, dancer, gardener, educator, and somatic therapist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Learn more about their work: keisoarescobb.as.me, @keisoarescobb

Becci Davis is an interdisciplinary artist and mother who finds inspiration in exploring nature, archives, memory, and connection to place. Born and raised in Georgia, she now calls Providence, RI home. Learn more about her work: beccidavis.com, @bdavissynergy

The whaling logs of Captain William Martin are part of PPL's Nicholson Whaling Collection; view digitized versions of the logs here.

This project is made possible, in part, by generous support from the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading and from the Papitto Opportunity Connection.

This project is made possible, in part, through funding support from Rhode Island Humanities, an independent state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. RI Humanities seeds, supports, and strengthens public history, cultural heritage, civic education, and community engagement by and for all Rhode Islanders. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of Rhode Island Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

April is National Poetry Month...Celebrate With Us!

Rhode Island Poet Laureate Colin Channer reads from his new book, Console

Wednesday, April 17, 5 - 6:30 pm

PPL Mural Room, 3rd Floor

We are pleased to welcome Rhode Island Poet Laureate Colin Channer to PPL to read from his new book, Console, Finalist for a 2023 New England Book Award, the second collection by "one of the most significant literary figures in the Caribbean" (The Globe and Mail).

This event is free and open to the public; reservations are appreciated, and seating is limited. Books will be available for sale and signing, thanks to our friends at Barrington Books.

REGISTER

Small Business Workshop Series to Kick Off

April 13 - May 18

9 - 11 am

Thinking of starting a small business? Get the basics through this FREE six-session informational workshop series presented by PPL and RI SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives).

Experienced SCORE mentors present and discuss the various aspects of planning and owning a business, from start-up to marketing to funding. PPL staff discuss print / electronic resources available at the Library to research your business and marketing plan.

Registration required. Check our calendar for information about the series and to sign up.

Schedule of Workshops

April 13: Business Fundamentals & Planning 

April 20: Marketing

April 27: Marketing (cont.) & Sales 

May 4: Financials

May 11: Small Business Funding

May 18: Creating Your Business Plan & Wrap-up 

Register at: www.provlib.org/calendar

Contact Ann with questions at: info@provlib.org or 401-455-8005.

Reinsulator:

Pop Up Reading Room

Saturday, April 20, 11 am - 2 pm

PPL Special Collection Reading Room, 3rd Floor

What’s an insulator hobby zine? Wait. What’s an insulator? For the unfamiliar, an insulator is a device that ensured electrical wires didn’t come into contact with wood poles, which would have diverted energy and ended signal pathways. They are the early unsung heroes of telecom — and for many fans, live on as beautiful sculptures.

Providence-based artist Ben Sisto’s archive of 600+ insulator-related publications will be on view in the Providence Public Library’s Special Collections Reading Room. The public is invited to come by and browse the materials, hands on. Zac Mirecki — archivist for the Yankee Pole Cat Insulator Club — will be loaning us the club’s photo archive so you can explore decades of community history.

Save the Date...

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Whale Guitar!

Wednesday, April 24, 5 - 6:30 pm

Donald J. Farish Auditorium, 3rd Floor

Plan to join us for an evening of music as we commemorate the 10th Anniversary of The Whale Guitar Project, which was originally launched at PPL 10 years ago!

Stay tuned for more details to come...

Read the Play Before You See the Play!

Play Discussion Series Continues on April 24

If you're a theatre lover, join us for our Play Discussion Series featuring five plays being performed at the Gamm Theatre this season. In this series, we discuss the plays before you see them, so you can read the play before you see the play, but anyone interested in a play discussion is welcome.

Our 2023-24 series closes April 24 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm with a discussion of Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley. We will be joined by members of the Gamm Theatre.

Get more information about the plays at The Gamm Theatre. At each discussion, a voucher for two tickets will be raffled off and participants will get an access code for discount tickets.

Most plays are available to borrow from this or other libraries. Please check our catalog. Click here to learn how to get a library card.

You may register for our discussion up until the time of the event. There is street parking around the Library and in garages and lots on Fountain and Washington Streets. Any questions, please email ibrunelle@provlib.org, subject "Play Series."

REGISTER

NEW!!!

Adult Game Nights Kicks Off April 30

5 - 7 pm

Mural Room, 3rd Floor

PPL will be hosting monthly game nights (last Tuesday of each month)! Bring your own games and bring your own friends (or both will be provided). Game nights are 18+ because we all know Uno can get a little intense!

REGISTER

Looking for a Book Club in the New Year?

We Have You Covered!

We're excited to announce two NEW book clubs: The Mystery Book Club next meeting April 9, and our "Romantasy" Book Club, which will begin meeting in person on Saturday, March 30.

Check out our ongoing monthly book clubs. Our History Hijinks Book Club meets both in person and via Zoom on the first Monday of each month. Meanwhile, our Brown Bag Book Club, the Book Reader's Guide to the Galaxy Book Club, and The Dark Academia Book Club all meet in person monthly at the Library!

Check out their schedules and upcoming reads

Looking for your next great read?

Connecting Stories Book Club

Cantoras

Join the discussion at PPL, in collaboration with Trinity Repertory Company.

Our next book discussion will meet on Wednesday, May 29 from 5:30 - 6:45 pm.

In this book club, you will read and discuss literature related to the plays being performed at Trinity for their 2023-24 season. Connect with Trinity's onstage work as we connect people to stories and stories to plays.

The book we will discuss is Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis, a book that shares the themes of Trinity's upcoming production of La Cage aux Folles running May 30 - June 30. Participants will receive a discount code to use for purchasing tickets.

Don't wait to request a copy using our catalog! Or call your local library or email Ivy at ibrunelle@provlib.org. It can take 3 or 4 business days for a book request to be delivered. Copies will be available to pick up at the Library, 150 Empire Street, at the main desk. Just tell them you're looking for the Connecting Stories Trinity book club book, Cantoras.

Contact Wensley Bynoe, director of community engagement at wbynoe@trinityrep.com if you have questions or if you need a modified book (audiobook, large print, braille, etc.) 

Any questions, contact Ivy at ibrunelle@provlib.org, Subject: "Connecting Stories". Click here for more details about other books being read in the Connecting Stories Book Club.

REGISTER

CLASSES & TRAININGS . . .

Free Classes for Adults, registration required 

Gratis Clases para Adultos en enero, se require inscripción 

Join us at Providence and West Warwick American Job Centers!

These Digital Skills Classes will be facilitated by PPL, with the support of the RI Department of Education. These basic computer classes will be held at the Providence American Job Center, 50 Sims Ave. and West Warwick American Job Center, 1330 Main St. (computers will be available for students to take the class). Please visit https://bit.ly/digitalgoal to find more details.

Questions? Contact Lina: (401) 660-3344 call/text or lbravo@provlib.org

Providence American Job Center

Instruction in English

Basic Computer Skills

Mondays, 11 am to 1 pm, Mar 11 to Apr 22 (no class on Apr 15)

Microsoft Word Basics

Wednesdays, 9 to 11 am, Mar 13 to Apr 24 (no class on Apr 17)

Instruction in Spanish

Computación Básica (Basic Computer Skills in Spanish)

Mondays, 9 to 11 am, Mar 11 to Apr 22 (no class on Apr 15)

Microsoft Word Básico

Wednesdays, 11 am to 1 pm, Mar 13 to Apr 24 (no class on Apr 17)

West Warwick American Job Center

Instruction in English

Microsoft Excel Basics

Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 am, Mar 20 to Apr 24 (no class on Apr 17)

Microsoft PowerPoint Basics

Wednesdays, 12 - 2 pm, Mar 20 to Apr 24 (no class on Apr 17

Please complete the Class Interest Form, and we will contact you!

Por favor complete el formulario de interés en clase, y nosotros le contactaremos!

Do you love to "Sew-cialize"?

Upcoming Sewing Meet-ups

Saturdays | 1:30 - 3:30 pm

March 30

April 13 & 27

PPL Workshop, Ground Floor

Whether you are just learning to sew, or you are an old pro looking for a group of likeminded people with similar interests; this is the meetup for you!

Join us to learn to sew, work on your own projects and discuss/ask any questions related to sewing! These meetups are an opportunity to socialize and have fun, all while learning to create new items as well as how to alter/upcycle old or unwanted pieces of clothing. 

The sewing meetup is hosted by Poonam Parab. With more than 25 years of experience sewing apparel, Poonam is a certified sewing instructor with an advanced certification from the BurdaStyle Academy. In addition, Poonam recently completed their Masters Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design.

The Library has some machines available for use, but we may not have enough for everybody; so, feel free to bring your own machine if you prefer. Registration is not required so just drop in and join us for a good time!

Digital & Career Navigation / Navegación Digital

y de Carrera

One-on-One Help for Adults, by Appointment /

Ayuda Uno-a-Uno para Adultos, con Cita Previa

Assistance for adults to develop digital skills; in-person, virtually, or by phone.

• Access to the Internet and digital resources
• Intake interview and needs assessment
• Basic computer skills
• Mobile apps
• Northstar Digital Literacy
• Information about community services & programs

* We cannot repair devices, fix software, or handle viruses.

Apoyo para adultos desarrollar habilidades digitales; en-persona, virtualmente, o por teléfono.

• Acceso al Internet y recursos digitales
• Entrevista inicial y evaluación de necesidades
• Habilidades de computación básicas
• Aplicaciones móviles
• Northstar Digital Literacy
• Información sobre servicios y programas comunitarios

* No podemos reparar dispositivos, arreglar software, ni manejar virus.

Check out our NEW Extended Catalog...



We're thrilled to announce the opening of our EXTENDED CATALOG on our online store!  Shop a variety of fun, custom PPL items ready to ship right to your doorstep. Can't wait? Grab something from our Instant Shop ready for pickup at PPL. Whether you are buying a gift for someone or getting a little something for yourself, PPL's Marketplace has what you need to share your library joy.  Explore our ever-expanding collection at shop.provlib.org.

NOTE: This is a pilot program we've just rolled out. If you experience any issues, please let us know at marketing@provlib.org.

SHOP!

Did You Know...

450 million Years of Flora and Fauna are Hangin' at PPL!

Come take in the story behind our 450 million year timeline of flora and fauna -- still up and enjoyable during the Library's open hours! The exhibition came to life earlier this year in our Atrium staircase and we're so happy these awesome creatures, including the 10-foot whale over the entrance, will be with us for a while!

Also, author and exhibition creator Eli Nixon invites everyone to take part in a Zoom book discussion of BLOODTIDE (the book the installation is a part of activating) on June 28. Get more info here.

Thanks to the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism for project funds, and to First Works for workshop support.

More Awesome Stories!

Hear from Another PPL Alum

At PPL, stories have always been at the heart of what we do. Our stacks are filled with books that hold countless tales waiting to be explored. Yet, there is another treasure we value just a much...if not more – the stories from members of our community. We'd like to share more of our Alum stories here....for more, visit: www.provlib.org/support-us/ppl-alum/

If you're so inspired....please consider sharing YOUR library story with us! If you love PPL and all we do, we welcome your generous support! Every gift helps us continue our transformative work! THANK YOU!