October 28, 2002 Rhode Island Center for the Book Approved

Press Contact: Craig D'Ooge (202) 707-9189
Public Contact: The Center for the Book (202) 707-5221

The Library of Congress has approved a proposal from the Providence Public Library for the establishment of a Rhode Island Center for the Book that will be affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

"We welcome this initiative," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole. "The Providence Public Library received the 2001 National Award for Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in recognition of its 'extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service,' so it's a natural location and host for a cooperative and statewide organization such as a state center for the book."

"Next year the Providence Public Library will be the lead state agency for 'Reading Across Rhode Island,' the first Rhode Island shared reading experience," said library director Dale L. Thompson. "The union of 'Reading Across Rhode Island' and the newly-formed Rhode Island Center for the Book will help both efforts immensely."

Other projects will include the application and extension of continuing Center for the Book projects and themes such as Telling America's Stories, Letters About Literature, River of Words, and Mother Goose Asks "Why?" The Rhode Island Center for the Book also will provide a central clearinghouse of information about programs and events of interest and importance to Rhode Island's readers, writers, and book artists, as well as to provide a direct link to an expanded Literacy Referral and Information Service, provided through the Providence Public Library's Literacy Department.

The Rhode Island Center for the Book's purpose is "to celebrate, honor and promote interest in books, reading, and the literary and book arts culture and heritage of the state of Rhode Island." Moreover, "with the understanding that literacy is a major factor contributing to success in life," the center "will foster collaborative efforts designed to promote literacy as a critical component to lifelong learning."

For information about the Rhode Island Center for the Book, contact Louise Moulton, Community Services Coordinator, Providence Public Library, 225 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903, telephone (401) 455-8134, fax (401) 455-8065, e-mail: lmoulton@provlib.org.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Now in its 25th year, the Center for the Book has a network of affiliated centers in 48 states. For information about its programs, publications, and the activities of its affiliated centers for the book, visit its Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook.

###

PR 02-155
2002-10-28
ISSN 0731-3527