News from the Rhode Island Library Association

RILA Bulletin, August 2023, Vol. 95 no. 4

In This Issue

President's Corner ~ READ Posters ~ Supporting the Right to Read ~ RI Challenge Reporting Form ~ Upcoming Events ~ RI Library News

President's Corner

Summer is winding down, but there is still a lot happening in and around our libraries. Hopefully, you have been able to enjoy some of the great programming and services on offer at your favorite library.

In other library news, book challenges are continuing around the US, and we anticipate more local activity in this area in the coming months. Please consider getting involved locally by joining our Intellectual Freedom Committee (lots of great information and resources here) or by attending an upcoming Unite Against Book Bans (UABB) meeting. The next UABB meeting is Wednesday, September 20, 7:00pm at the William Hall Library in Cranston.

RILA will also have some advocacy merch soon to help support efforts on the ground in Rhode Island. Here is a little preview:

Illustration of a Rhode Island Red Hen holding a sign that says "Free People Deserve to Read Freely"

Are you planning to attend the NELA Conference October 15th-17th, in Springfield, Massachusetts? Look for me at NELA on Sunday, October 15th, to get a RILA advocacy sticker!

Beatrice Pulliam

RILA President

president@rilibraries.org

Beatrice Pulliam, Ed Garcia, Megan-Hamlin Black present Greg Amore and James Diossa with READ posters

New READ Posters

On Friday, July 14th, RILA President Beatrice Pulliam, RILA Councilor Ed Garcia, and State Librarian Megan-Hamlin Black held a brief ceremony at the State House to present READ posters to RI Secretary of State Gregg Amore and RI State Treasurer James Diossa to thank them for their support of RI libraries.

Esther Wolk, Deanna Brooks, Mary Moen, Melanie Roy, and Tasha White present Congressman Seth Magaziner with a copy of the AASL standards.

Supporting the Right to Read

On Monday, August 7th, a group of RI school librarians met with Congressman Seth Magaziner to thank him for cosponsoring the Right to Read Act in the House. He was presented with a copy of the AASL standards.

Pictured left to right: Esther Wolk, Deanna Brooks, Seth Magaziner, Mary Moen (President of School Librarians of Rhode Island), Melanie Roy and Tasha White.

Rhode Island Challenge Reporting Form

Are you experiencing a materials challenge or other attempt at censorship at your library, school, or other institution in Rhode Island?

Submit a report to the RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee by clicking the button below, and let us know how we can support you.

Report a Challenge

Upcoming Events

September 8th - NELA Conference Scholarship Application Deadline

October 15th-17th - NELA Conference

News from the Rhode Island Library Community

North Providence Library Intern, Jennifer Cortez

Met School Intern Brings Back Museum Passes to North Providence

Patrons are thrilled with the return of Museum Passes at the North Providence Union Free Library. With the help and dedication of our Met School Intern, Jennifer Cortez, we now have 16 passes for our families to enjoy. As part of her end-of-year school exhibition, Ms. Cortez shared her process and progress with classmates, advisors, staff, and members of the public.

Read On!

The Rhode Island Library Association

is a professional organization that serves its members through career development, education, advocacy, networking partnerships, and legislative action.

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The RILA Bulletin is produced by the RILA Communications Committee. The RILA Communications Committee is responsible for publicizing and supporting Rhode Island Library Association activities using a variety of communication tools. Responsibilities include publishing the RILA Bulletin, managing social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, and exploring other media as needed.

Rhode Island Library Association members can contribute content to the RILA Bulletin by submitting an article or emailing the editors at communications@rilibraries.org.