2023
Annual Report 

When we reflect on the highlights of our past year, one main theme underscores the story . . . that of our community and their stories – those who have come to PPL to pursue their goals and realize their dreams, acquire a skill and create something new, or simply to relax, read a good book, or learn more about what interests them. 
 
As always, we recognize that we are here for them. Our mission is to meet our community where they are and provide what we can to help them write the story they seek.  For their stories, experiences, and memories made and shared contribute to the collective narrative of our community.  
 
And, therefore, our story truly is the story of our community.
 
As we have throughout our history, we continued to grow and evolve our library to meet our community’s needs over the past year, focusing our values and services on supporting the aspirations of everyone in our community. 
 
In our second full year since completely transforming our building, we welcomed an increasing flow of adults, young people, and children and families, once again surpassing the highest number of visitors ever to our library.  They took part in fun and even life-changing classes, visited and played in our Children’s Library, learned and created in our Workshop makerspace, joined their neighbors in building and mounting a truly magical library exhibition in our three-story Atrium staircase, and gathered with friends and strangers alike for countless community programs and events.
 
This year we concentrated on a number of initiatives to enhance the ways we share our resources and facilities. 
 
In one exciting development, thanks to a Papitto Opportunity Connection grant and generous donors, we were able to increase access to and use of our spaces by a wide range of individuals and groups through a newly created Community Access Fund. From budding filmmakers premiering their works to youth dance groups to students and artists engaging with the community to mount exhibits and deliver public programs, we witnessed firsthand the abundant creative energy within our community.
 
Sometimes all someone may require is a helping hand and the Library is in the position to provide a critical service or connection. Throughout the year, we committed to establishing and expanding a multitude of initiatives and partnerships with local social service agencies to meet consistently growing needs among those visiting PPL.  These included relationships with organizations large and small and enabled us to be more responsive to people in the moment, as some of these partners were able to deliver services and resources right at the Library. Through a Basic Needs grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, we were even able to pilot an Essential Needs Pantry through which we and our partners could meet some of the basic resource needs of hundreds of community members as well as provide information and share referrals to other public agencies able to provide more comprehensive support.  (Read more in our report about our community partners and our efforts together.)
 
As always, our successes are made possible through the continued generosity of our dedicated supporters. Just as PPL is a reflection of our community, so is it a living testament to you and your belief in this institution and the immeasurable impact it makes every day!
 
We thank you.

Jack Martin, PPL Executive Director
Elizabeth Debs, Chair