In This Issue

President's Corner ~ Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Face with Adversity Award is Accepting Nominations ~ Indigenous Voices Virtual Book Club ~ RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Committee (RIHGEC) ~ SLRI Flatbread Fundraiser ~ RILA Awards Voting Opens on February 27 ~ RILA Board Positions Available in 2026 ~ Library Advocacy Day at the State House ~ News from the Rhode Island Library Community

Dear RILA Members,

This month’s bulletin carries a mix of sorrow, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead.

The recent gun violence at Brown University has left many of us shaken. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone in the Brown community. I am especially holding close the students, faculty, and librarians who endured those terrifying hours sheltering in place inside the Brown University Library. RILA stands in solemn solidarity with our colleagues and extends deep compassion as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic and senseless act.

Though amid this difficult news, there is also hope. Congress has passed two spending bills that include increased federal funding for libraries in Fiscal Year 2026. This is a significant victory. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)—the primary federal supporter of libraries and museums—faced the threat of elimination last year. Thanks to the persistence of advocates, organizations, and members like you, we demonstrated that our collective voice matters. It made a difference.

Another meaningful way to use that voice is to join the RILA Board. Nominations will soon become available for several positions, including Vice President/President‑Elect and two ember‑at‑Large seats. Any RILA member in good standing may self‑nominate. The nomination period will open within the next month.

Also, the RILA Awards nomination period begins February 27. Please take a moment to peruse the award categories on our website and consider nominating someone. It is a wonderful way to recognize colleagues who inspire you. Or inspire yourself and attend the RILA Annual Conference this May, held at the URI campus in Kingston, with registration opening in early April.

Our dedicated committees are diligently working on legislative action, conference planning, mentorship, and intellectual freedom. If you are interested in advocacy, Legislative Action is a great entry point. If you enjoy supporting new or transitioning librarians, Mentorship may be a perfect fit. Every committee plays a vital role in strengthening our organization and the libraries we serve across Rhode Island.

Finally, I hope you will join us at two upcoming community events in support of libraries and librarians. The School Librarians of Rhode Island will host a gathering at Flatbread Pizza in Providence on Tuesday, March 31, from 5–9 p.m., supporting the newly renamed Save Rhode Island School Libraries Act. And on Tuesday, April 14, we will celebrate Rhode Island Legislative Day at the State House Library during National Library Week. Your presence truly matters!

Warmly,

Ben

Benjamin Hanley, RILA President

president@rilibraries.org

Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity Award is Accepting Nominations

Do you know of a librarian who has faced adversity with integrity and dignity intact? If so, please nominate them for the Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity Award!

The Lemony Snicket Prize for Noble Librarians Faced with Adversity Award is sponsored by Lemony Snicket. The winner receives a generous amount of $10,000 and a framed citation of achievement that is given at the ALA Awards Ceremony at the 2026 ALA's Annual Conference, in Chicago, IL.

To nominate please complete the online application. The nominations must be accompanied by a specific statement of qualifications of the nominee. Supporting evidence or testimonials are welcome. Check out some past winners at the bottom of this webpage.

Deadline: March 1, 2026

Indigenous Voices Virtual Book Club

Tomaquag Museum invites all Rhode Island public libraries to participate in the 2026 Virtual Book Club “Revolution: Asserting Sovereignty through Literature,” featuring a compelling lineup of contemporary Indigenous voices. This year’s selections explore timely themes for a broad audience—and each title is available through our Rhode Island libraries. Printable flyers, discussion information, and full details are available on the Tomaquag Museum's event page.

• February 24: Mascot, by Charles Waters & Traci Sorell, is a book about identity and controversy over the mascot from diverse perspectives
• March 23: The Bone Thief, by Rhode Island author Vanessa Lillie, is set in Rhode Island and is about the theft of Indigenous remains, uncovering crimes tied to historical injustice, identity, and the ongoing exploitation of Native communities.
• April 28: Sisters of the Wind, by Angeline Boulley, follows two Ojibwe sisters whose lives diverge entering the foster care system. Library Display Challenge

Add a little fun to your participation by creating a display of one or more of the featured books, then share a photo on Instagram and/or Facebook using #tomaquagmuseum #bookclub by February 28th. One participating library will be selected to choose either a free one-year Tomaquag Museum pass or a free one-hour education program.

RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission (RIHGEC)

The RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Commission (RIHGEC) was established in 2021 to provide programming, support, and resources to schools, educators, and communities to increase education and awareness on the truth about the Holocaust and other genocides and the need to combat hate, antisemitism, misunderstanding, misinformation, and distrust that can often lead to unfortunate events, violence, and the isolation of our citizenry.

With our mission in mind, and in anticipation of April Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Month, RIHGEC is highlighting programming that is available through the Commission. These programs are available year-round to libraries and community organizations in Rhode Island, but are especially applicable to upcoming April observances.

Please email the Commission at rihgec@gmail.com, call 401-646-4799, or visit our website to browse the available program offerings. We encourage everyone to take advantage of the RIHGEC resources.

New Documentary Film Available for Public Screening

The Armenian Historical Association of Rhode Island (AHARI) introduces a new documentary film, “Chronicles,” highlighting the history of the Armenian community of Rhode Island. From genocide to survival, from laborers to business owners, Armenian history tells a story of resilience – rooted in reflection, identity, and community. Through historical context and personal testimonies, the film traces how Armenian families and institutions rebuilt their lives and preserved memory in the aftermath of genocide.

Libraries are invited to screen the film, and AHARI will guide discussions around the film’s inherent themes. This documentary has a run time of just 26 minutes, and will resonate with communities of all backgrounds. If you would like to screen and use this film in your library, please email AHARI at info@ahari.net.

SLRI Flatbread Fundraiser

Join us for a fundraiser to support SLRI's advocacy efforts. Hope to see you there!

When: Tuesday, March 31, 5-9 pm*

Location: Flatbread Pizza, 161 Cushing St., Providence

*A portion of in-person and online orders will benefit SLRI

RILA Awards Voting Opens on February 27

It's time to consider nominating your colleague, friend's group, or trustee who have made a significant contribution to your library and community. The 2026 RILA Awards Voting opens on February 27! Visit the Awards Criteria page for more details. 2026 nominations are due by Friday, March 27, 2026.

RILA Board Positions Available in 2026

Vice President/President-Elect

This is key leadership position that works with the RILA President on a variety of RILA special projects & strategic planning, serves on the Budget & Finance committee and may also serve on one of RILA's other Standing committees (e.g. Conference, Membership, Communications).

• The Vice President/President-Elect is a voting member of the RILA Executive Board
• Nominated by RILA Nominating Committee or self-nomination
• Current RILA membership required
• Term: 3 years / (1 year as VP; 1 year as President; 1 year as Past-President)

Member-at-Large (2)

This is an outreach focused position that assists with a variety of RILA special projects & strategic planning, and may serve on one of RILA's Standing committees (e.g. Conference, Membership, Communications, etc.)

• Current RILA membership required
• Term: 2 years

These open board positions provide an opportunity to gain valuable, professional, executive board experience while giving back to the library profession. The self-nomination petition period opens by March. For more information about these positions, please contact president@rilibraries.org or pastpresident@rilibraries.org

Library Advocacy Day at the State House

Join us for our annual Library Advocacy Day event at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday, April 14, from 2:30-4:30 pm. Each year, we invite legislators at the State House to recognize and celebrate the important work of librarians across the state by visiting with representatives from a variety of library organizations and learning more about library-related bills being introduced in the General Assembly. This year's event will be held on the second floor of the State House, both in the rotunda and in the State Library.

Family Friendly Performer/Educator Fair

On the hunt for epic events to host at your library, school, or church? Then we have an event for you. Come meet creatives for hire at this drop in meet and greet fair.

February 26, Thursday from 4pm to 6pm. Snow Date March 5th.

Coventry Student Art Contest

Calling all Coventry students! In celebration of "Rhode Island 250," the 250th anniversary of the signing of the nation's Declaration of Independence, Coventry is holding a town-wide student art contest for grades Kindergarten - 12th grade, culminating in an art reception extravaganza! Winners will receive gift cards, trophies and medals! Any K-12 grade student who resides in Coventry is eligible to submit art work.

In the spirit of RI250, the theme is "Historical Coventry: A Celebration in Art" and we encourage submissions to be based on any aspect of Coventry history, from any time period. Looking for inspiration? Ask a librarian! See Rules & Guidelines for more details.

Student art submission accepted 7 days a week during open hours between April 20 - May 3 at the Coventry Public Library, 1672 Flat River Road The Art Show & Reception is on Tuesday, May 19 from 5:30 - 7:30 at the Coventry Community Learning Center (Annex), 1675 Flat River Road.