Who are the Friends of Rochambeau?
A group of caring individuals, families, and businesses dedicated to the support of the Rochambeau Library Branch... its facility, programs, services, resources, and the many people it serves. Learn more about the Friends of Rochambeau
This is something to celebrate. Over a year ago there was talk of Providence Public Library closing four neighborhood branches. Thanks to a community effort the non-profit group, Providence Community Library, was formed and an 
agreement was reached with PPL to separate the downtown library from the nine neighborhood branches.
Keeping local libraries open and available to the public is something to celebrate. In honor of Providence Community Library’s 1st Birthday on July 1, let there be cake!
Celebrations & Cake-cutting (and eating) at each neighborhood library at 4:30pm. Check here for celebration details.
And it’s also late fee amnesty day! Return overdue materials on July 1, 2010 and the late fees are waived…you can have your cake and eat it too!
At the Rochambeau library, come to the Chess Open on June 17th 5:00 until 8:30 pm It’s free for all ages and levels.
This is related to the chess club that is every Saturday 12 until 3 at this library, but players that come do not need to be part of the chess club. Both are open to all and both are free.
6:30 PM, Monday, June 7th, 2010
Annual Meeting – Friends of Rochambeau – Author: Glenn Laxton
This year’s guest speaker at the annual Friend’s meeting will be Glenn Laxton. His current book is titled “Hidden History of Rhode Island (Not-To-Be-Forgotten Tales of the Ocean State)”
Glenn is a native Rhode Islander and an Emmy award winning journalist who has worked in broadcasting in Rhode Island for more than forty years. He produced and narrated the WPRI television series “Not to be Forgotten”, which chronicled the lives of unsung heroes of his home state. In addition to writing for “Your Smithfield Magazine”, Glen serves on the board of directors for the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and the Blackstone Valley Historical Society.
He regularly gives talks and video presentations for historical societies and is the coauthor of “Rhode Island: A Genial History.” Glenn’s easy going style and knowledge of local history makes for an informative and entertaining evening.
Agenda for Friends of Rochambeau Branch Library Annual Meeting
6:30 PM, Monday, June 7th, 2010
Welcome and opening remarks – Chris Suchmann
Acceptance of Annual Reports – Ellen Foley
Election of Board Officers – Melissa Dubose
Friends Recognition Awards — Chris Suchmann
Hope High School Recognition Awards – Marcus Mitchell
Nieforth Book Fund – Caryl-Ann Nieforth
Friends Special Award – Chris Suchmann
Librarian Recognition Awards – Tom O’Donnell
Nieforth Award – Marjorie Martiesian
Introduction of Speaker – Neeltje Henneman
Keynote Speaker – Glenn Laxton
Book Signing and Collation
Reports from Committees: Meeting reports
Minutes from the Annual Meeting: Meeting minutes
Photos from the event:
Friends of Rochambeau Library Annual Spring Booksale 2010!
20,000 used books, audiovisuals, and puzzles sorted into more than 50 categories will be available.
Mon. April 19 – Mon. April 26
Annual Friends of Rochambeau Limerick Contest Awards & Blarney Bash
WHEN: Thursday, March 18, 2010 ~ 6:00pm – 8:30pm ~ Rochambeau Library
WHAT: Stretch the St. Patricks Day celebration into a second evening of fun, refreshments, dancing and musical celebration!
From 6 to 7 p.m. join us for the awards celebration of our Friends of Rochambeau Annual Limerick Contest.
Then at 7:00 p.m., the Miller Family Steppers will (literally) kick off the evening for some of finest traditional musicians in RI, assembled especially for this event, The Rochamrocks!
COST: Free!!!
WHERE: Rochambeau Library, Providence Community Library
708 Hope Street
Providence, RI 02906
Google Maps
Bright Lights, Warm Books
-a vignette-
by Mark Binder
“You can go to the library and find the book that changes your life.”
—Ellen Schwartz
It was rainy, slushy and cold, though warm for a New England winter. The rubber soles of Joe’s sneakers kept the chill away, but not completely. He strode up Hope Street as quickly as he could without getting out of breath.
(Download PDF file, or click “read more” to continue reading the story…)
The Friends of Rochambeau newsletter is in the mail, and you can download a PDF version now.
You can receive newsletters by email in the future. All you need to do is subscribe in the form on this page.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Wednesday July 1st from 3:00-5:30, we will be having a celebration at the Rochambeau Library. All of the branches throughout the city will be celebrating as well.
As a symbol of community spirit, each branch will be sending representatives to another branch to deliver a book and join in their celebration.
We would love to have you come and celebrate with us!
This Wednesday, July 1st the day begins with a ribbon cutting at 9:30 when the library opens. At 3:00 there will be food, music, crafts and storytelling. There will also be great people and conversations. At 4:30 we will send off some of our Friends to deliver a book to the Wanskuk branch.
For years, The Friends of Rochambeau have worked hard to raise money to support our libraries and provide money for books, magazine subscriptions, museum memberships, musical performances and all kinds of activities that make our library an exciting part of our community.
Come celebrate with us!
See you July 1st,
The Friends of Rochambeau
(From the Providence Public Library)
NEWS RELEASE
Date: February 26, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tonia Mason, 401-455-8090; 401-487-7104
Mayor Opts Out of City/Library Agreement
Library Reviewing Options to Continue Services Moving Forward
PROVIDENCE, RI – In a disappointing development, the Providence Public Library (PPL) and the City administration have failed to achieve an agreement that outlines the process for ongoing funding and administering of City library services. The agreement was negotiated by the Library and City administration last summer, and approved by the City Council in November, but never signed by the City. Mayor Cicilline has now informed the Library that he wants a different process.
Although the Library has been funding the cost of maintaining existing services this year as envisioned by the Council-approved agreement, and paying for a deficit projected to exceed $1 million out of the Library’s endowment, the Mayor’s failure to sign has resulted in the City withholding Master Lease money that was to flow to the Library to help pay the current fiscal year’s expenses.
In the absence of an agreement, many questions remain regarding the future relationship between the City and the Library. The Providence Public Library now is reviewing its options and plans for administering Library service for the next Fiscal Year that begins in July.
“The focus for everyone involved needs to be on finding the best way to provide library service in the City,” said PPL Chairman William Simmons. “We remain open to ongoing discussions on how to achieve that goal and have communicated to the Mayor our willingness to work with him and the City Council.”
The newly formed Providence Community Library has garnered some support from members of the public and City Council. The Library has offered to work with the City to explore whether this may be a viable alternative for branch library service.
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