2025 was a historic year for Providence Public Library (PPL) as we proudly marked our 150th anniversary – an extraordinary milestone in our life as an institution that has served as a cornerstone of knowledge, creativity, and community engagement for generations of Rhode Islanders. Founded in 1875, PPL has evolved over time into a dynamic organization that has continuously responded to our community’s needs through innovative programs, an unwavering commitment to education, and an open invitation to everyone to learn, explore, and grow.
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As we celebrated, we reflected on PPL’s incredible journey and transformative impact on Providence and beyond. From our humble beginnings when we first opened our doors in 1878, the Library has expanded its role in Rhode Islanders’ lives, serving as a vital public resource for learning, culture, and connection. Our mission has remained constant — providing free, equitable access to information and enriching the lives of our diverse community members.
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From our origins in 1871 – when a coalition of like-minded individuals and organizations came together to establish a “free library, art gallery, and museum” – to today, PPL has enjoyed an enduring partnership with the people of our state. This spirit of collaboration has been central to our success, from our early days of establishing “relationships” with individuals and community groups to ongoing partnerships with schools, other nonprofits, and local businesses.
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Throughout our history, PPL has developed pioneering services to meet the needs of the time. Whether being among the first libraries in the country to establish an Information Desk and issue library cards to children, to building a citywide branch system and introducing bookmobile services, to leading the effort to launch Rhode Island’s statewide library catalog system, PPL has embraced its role at the forefront pursuing advances in our mission to serve our community’s information and learning needs. 
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Today, we continue to focus on providing essential educational services, workforce development opportunities, and impactful learning programs, particularly for underserved communities. Our Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI), which began in the 1980s, is a testament to PPL’s dedication to ensuring that everyone, from young children to adults, has the opportunity to learn and grow. Along with countless others, it endures as an example of the kind of programs for which PPL received the Institute for Museum & Library Services’ 2001 National Award for Library Service, a recognition of our commitment to reaching beyond the expected to serve our community in extraordinary ways.
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More recently in 2015, embracing technology to reach more people, we launched Provlibdigital.org, now featuring 20,000 digitized items from our Special Collections and ensuring that our historical and cultural treasures are accessible to all. And in 2020, we completed our historic “Think Again” renovation, a $28 million transformation that reimagined our building as a 21st-century hub for learning, collaboration, and community connection.
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Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Next 150 Years
As we look to the next 150 years, we are committed to ensuring that PPL remains at the heart of the community, adapting to the changing needs of our residents, and providing access to the tools and resources that foster lifelong learning. With the continued support of our donors, partners, and patrons, we know that PPL will endure as a vital place where curiosity thrives, creativity is nurtured, and where everyone can come to learn and grow.
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We couldn’t have made it to this point without the incredible support of our community – those who’ve given their time, resources, and passion to help PPL become what it is today. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we renew our commitment to serving the people of Providence and all of Rhode Island for the next 150 years and beyond.
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Thank you for being part of our story, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
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Jack Martin, PPL Executive Director
Christopher Stevens, Chair