March 13, 2020 -- Important Update
Dear PPL Patrons, Supporters and Friends,

First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your steadfast and dedicated support.  We appreciate your continued patience throughout PPL’s renovation process, and now as we work to evaluate and adjust our ongoing operations, including community programs and classes and our Grand Reopening plans, as a result of COVID-19.

We are your public library.  Our community’s health and well-being is of primary importance to us.  Due to heightened concerns about the spread of coronavirus and for the safety of all in our Library family, we have made the difficult decision to postpone PPL’s Ribbon Cutting celebration, originally scheduled for March 30, and to delay the reopening of the Library to the public.   In addition, we have made the equally difficult decision to immediately suspend all of the Library’s programs currently being held at PPL and at locations in and around Providence and Rhode Island .

Even though we are closed, PPL is still here for you!  Please visit our website for access to numerous free resources, including Askri.org and other library databases, provlibdigital.org and a variety of e-books and audiobooks .  Our education staff is also reaching out to students regarding distance learning options. Special Collections is also offering free quick scans of materials from our collections as time allows.

When our Grand Reopening has been rescheduled, you will be the first to know.  Please be on the lookout for updates on this and our community programs via email, website , and social media or opt for automated text alerts on your phone. Opt in by texting PPLAlerts to 401-298-2013.  ( Note: Standard text message charges may apply.

We will continue to carefully monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and to follow the guidance provided by the CDC and RIDOH as we safeguard the wellness of our visitors, staff, and volunteers. 

I want to close by saying that we cannot wait to welcome you back to PPL. This is an uncertain time for all of us, but we are heartened by the support of this community. We look forward to celebrating with you soon and to continuing to be a hub of education, creativity, and lifelong learning for all Rhode Islanders.

Thank you for making all we do possible. 

Wishing you and your loved ones good health,

Jack Martin
Executive Director 
Providence Public Library