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"One way the library has impacted my life is through the kindness I have witnessed. One day a disheveled-looking person came in. She was having a hard time with life itself. She was looking for her keys, and in no time, the women stated that she was going to cry. The librarian spoke to her with a kind voice. Not only kind, but so soothing. She obviously had a heart of generosity and showed this patron compassion and respect. This may seem like a little thing but it spoke volumes for humanity. We are also very grateful for our library. We now have 3 generations enjoying WWPL!"

- Shared Anonymously

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This may seem like a little thing but it spoke volumes for humanity.

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"I am so grateful for the support of Help the Homeless RI from the West Warwick Library! They put a bin out for a donation drop off and have collected numerous of much needed items for people experiencing homelessness. Maria, the community Outreach person is always asking what is needed and how they can help. Thank you West Warwick LIbrary for your support!"

- Andrea Smith, Executive Director, Help the Homeless RI

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"I grew up visiting the WWPL and fostering my love of reading and it has been my honor to now take my son to do the same.  The library provides us an escape, an opportunity to visit far off places, some that only exist in our imagination.  We have gone to Hogwarts, visited a farm with “some pig”, rode the winds to 17 Cherry Tree Lane, and fell down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, to name a few!  Our library is an integral part of our lives!"

- Ashley Sosa, Patron

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The library provides us an escape, an opportunity to visit far off places, some that only exist in our imagination.

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"I live very local. I do not have cable or internet, as I live alone and can't afford it. I borrow a lot of movies from WWPL, especially with COVID-19 around and many places are closed, I can still borrow movies! WWPL is very clean and the staff is amazing, helpful, and friendly. I highly recommend the West Warwick Public Library to many people."

- Brian Loftus, Patron

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I borrow a lot of movies from WWPL, especially with COVID-19 around and many places are closed, I can still borrow movies!

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"The West Warwick Public Library is very much a part of our community. The Staff is always looking for ways to extend a hand of friendship to our local residents. Staff had access to a documentary about Rabo de Peixe, a village in the Azores.  Knowing that there is a large number of Portuguese immigrants in the West Warwick area and upon learning that West Warwick and Rabo de Peixe are sister cities; they held a free screening in the library's community room. The film lasted about 1 hour and 45 minutes and all were invited. Even though there was a surprise snow storm that evening, the show was well attended.  As it turned out, the documentary was about the local fishing industry in the village and one of the attendees at the film happened to be a sister to one of the fishermen in the film. The film touched the hearts of many of us, including myself, who have roots in the Azores. She and her family were very happy about seeing this up-close and personal, and a glimpse at their present way of life in the fishing community of the Azores.  We were very grateful to the library for showing this film."

- Gloria Martins, New Staff Member and Long-Time Patron

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Boats and boating--Equipment and supplies

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Rebecca Bannon and Ayden Kennelly's #ShareYourStory

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Rebecca Bannon and Ayden Kennelly's #ShareYourStory

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"The staff is wonderful and I was able to tutor several student throughout the school year and during the summer."

- Rebecca Bannon, Teacher and Tutor

"They have helped me learn to be a better reader and provided me fun books! THANK YOU!"

- Ayden Kennelly, Avid Reader and Young Patron

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"My two sons and I love going to the library and utilizing their kids computers, chess and checkers, books, DVDs, etc. It was nice on hot summer days to be able to go somewhere fun, with A/C and nice people. Since COVID, WWPL has exceeded my expectations on being an amazing library. The staff is always so friendly and loving and put themselves at risk of COVID because they put their patrons first. My family was able to safely rent movies and books through the pandemic! I'm so grateful to have this library so close and available to us. I've been a patron of this library since 1997 and will proudly continue to be. Thank you!"
- Jacob Horta, Patron

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"The West Warwick Public Library has been a safe, quiet, comfortable place for me to visit for all the 29 years I have lived in the town of West Warwick, and since the COVID 19 virus has imposed so many restrictions on American lives and freedoms I have only come to appreciate those gifts and privileges more deeply.

As a patron, I have enjoyed hours of gratifying browsing for reading material and films as well as utilized the library’s many resources for research purposes, cultural presentations, learning workshops and even farmers’ markets.

My greatest benefits of my association with my town’s library branch, however, have sprung from my time as a volunteer tutor of English to immigrant students in our ESL and ELL literacy programs.  My personal experiences with my students, fellow volunteers, library staff and coordinators has enriched my life not only during classroom hours, but also in the many other culture-packed events and associations that have grown outside of class time such as family involved entertainment, multi-nation show-and-tell presentations and delicious potluck dinner celebrations held at the program terms’ completions.

The nurturing and warmly welcoming environment fostered at the West Warwick Public Library is very special and encourages a sense of safe learning and community to all who choose to engage with its many wholesome resources and personnel.  I look forward to many more years of a fulfilling, meaningful partnership with their efforts to better serve our deserving community of patrons and I consider West Warwick Public Library just as deserving of the honor of selection for the 2021 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service!"

- Mary Grace Quinn, Volunteer ELL Teacher and Patron

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Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse participates in our #shareyourstory campaign by graciously recording a video message for West Warwick Public Library! We are deeply grateful to Senator Whitehouse for taking the time to acknowledge our library with sincere congratulations and to wish us the best of luck! Thank you!

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"The library is just essential to life! Books are life and no library means no books. If I didn't have books, I wouldn't be happy. Also, it is my social hub. I always hang out with friends there (pre-pandemic). The librarians are always nice to me and they're friendly. They help me find books and organize fun events. The West Warwick library is the best library in the world."

- Rylan Wetherbee, Patron

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"West Warwick Public Library (WWPL) was one of the first libraries in Rhode Island to host Roving Roger, a traveling exhibit featuring a 7 foot tall statue of Roger Williams. While this may not seem like a big deal, not everyone is willing to take the leap of faith required to work with a new partner who asks them to display a huge statue for two months during the holiday season. But WWPL was enthusiastic from the start and I can’t tell you how grateful I was for their partnership. Based on the success of Roving Roger, in 2020/21 we created a second exhibit, Votes for Women – Why it Matters, and West Warwick was one of the first libraries to host it as well. Being able to share history and civics content through a vibrant local library is critical to fulfilling the RI Department of State’s mission to engage Rhode Islanders with our state’s rich and diverse history. More broadly, WWPL has helped me recognize libraries as potential partners for so many projects and I look forward to working with them, and other local libraries in the future."

- Lane Sparkman, Associate Director of Education and Public Programs, RI Department of State

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"My sister and I had done exhaustive research trying to find information, in particular an obituary, of our great-grandfather Joseph Albinie Marquis.  A Canadian national, we discovered that he used at least three different first names and that "Marquis" was sometimes spelled 'Markey", etc.  We only had our late mother's written memories and a couple of documents, and we were never able to tie it together along with the information we had gathered from genealogical websites.  One day I called the West Warwick Public Library and spoke to Amber Bliss.  I gave her what info I had, she listened to me very patiently and suggested that she might be able to find it in the Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times.  Shortly thereafter I received an email which changed my life.  Amber and her colleagues had found the obituary which yielded a wealth of information, answered many questions, and tied everything together.  Our search was over!  My family will be eternally grateful for the help and kindness of West Warwick Public Library."

- Christine Kinney, Patron

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"My oldest son enjoyed the free reading and playgroups the library would hold. It was fun and he got to interact with the other younger kids. We started going when he was only 3. But now we go all the time (he's now 9). We bring his little sister now, too. Thanks for all you do for the community!"

- Anna Tang, Mother and Patron

"I was 5 years old when I got my first library card. And now I'm 9 and I STILL use my library card!"

- Logan Tang, Son and Patron

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Congressman Jim Langevin, representative for Rhode Island's Second District, took time from his immensely busy schedule to make a terrific video for West Warwick Public Library. Our sincerest thank you, Congressman Langevin, for your nomination that led to us becoming finalists and for your heartfelt words! View his video as he participates in the #shareyourstory campaign to celebrate library impact in the community.

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"A library staff member recently stated that the “Friends” of the Library should be renamed “Best Friends” because our group is always ready to support the library. Since our start ten years ago we’ve been able to raise funds which provide valuable resources and supplement library programs. We have sponsored numerous fun activities, programs and events for the West Warwick community such as Museum Passes, Ancestry software, periodicals, RPGs, the ESL program, Summer Youth programs and many more. Our “Book Nook” is the envy of neighboring libraries. All of this is done without us meeting the library patrons who support us. Small but mighty, the Friends are happy to contribute to the success of this great library."

- Friends of the West Warwick Public Library

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WWPL has been a wonderful partner with the RI State Archives. In October 2018 the Library welcomed our first outreach exhibit program, Travelling Treasures, and gave us the opportunity to connect with the community about local RI history and folklife. WWPL was the first site I visited to launch this program and the space provided, positive and engaging staff, and the delightful patrons made it a great experience and an encouraging launch for the new traveling program. WWPL has been, and I am sure will continue to be, a fantastic collaborator in bringing history to the people of West Warwick, and Rhode Island. I look forward to many future collaborations!

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"West Warwick Public Library has server as a constant in my life for over 30 years. As a child, my mother began her career in technology with the library as the first technology coordinator. This, paired with my mother's love of reading and learning, fostered a love of my own for these things. A trip to the library was typically met by Anne McLaughlin, who would send me home with an arm piled high with books on any subject that peaked my current interest.
As I became a young mother, I was drawn back into the library with the carefully planned, and FREE, gift of the children's story hour. The ever-evolving resources and technology made available for all has provided hundreds of hours of fun and learning for my three beautiful children. Looking back at our lives, any time a trip was offered to the library, all three girls happily joined. We knew we could go together, and upon arrival could safely disperse to find something that engaged our individual interests.
Now, with times changed, the library reminds us that it is, and has always been a safe space. Faces changed, and with new and exciting offerings, the library welcomes us back with the promise of endless access to information, and books that are sure to whisk us away to another land and time. Our family truly loves the West Warwick Public Library, and are so happy to share with everyone what an amazing and extremely important community resource it is."
- Amanda Flynn, Patron

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"West Warwick Public Library provides me with food for my brain. I have the greatest respect for all the employees who've struggled to help me find what truly interests me and get it right every time. Thank you for also keeping me sane during the pandemic. I'm truly grateful for you ALL!"

- Belinda Plante, Patron

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"In the course of the past two years I have become involved in the libraries RPG program, which allowed me to rekindle an old passion and meet great people. I also took part in two writing programs at the library. Again, I had not written in years. I was able to publish some work during lockdown. Had it not been for the library, that never would have happened."
- Christian Grundel, Patron and RPG Enthusiast

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"I have attended Senior Tech regularly since 2016 and greatly appreciate the assistance I've received for my iPhone and MacBook from its outstanding expert session leaders. An informal "group share" philosophy also allows us to pick up tips from others around the table receiving help.
There's a core group of participants as well as patrons who just stop in for a quick answer to a tech question. And still other individuals arrive carrying their newly purchased - often gifted - items still in original boxes who tentatively ask the question, 'how do I use this?'
The weekly meetings have a familiar rhythm in their second-floor space ('Who brought the snacks this week?'), and most of us look forward to Thursday mornings for instruction and friendship.
What a joy it is has been to be able to gather together during the pandemic, via Zoom! We are still able to have our tech questions answered by Sara or Amber in addition to receiving emotional support and coping advice from the circle of tech friends. Kudos to the library for making this possible!
The continuation of the program has been a rare bright spot during a bleak time - now stretched out more than a year - which will hopefully end soon and allow us to meet once again in person."
- Shared Anonymously

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Jen, Mark, Katie, and Ben's #ShareYourStory

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Jen, Mark, Katie, and Ben's #ShareYourStory

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"The West Warwick Public Library has been a significant asset during the pandemic.  The numerous children programs that the WWPL has offered are impressive.  They have created many wonderful opportunities for kids to connect and participate even with the challenges of the pandemic.  My children, Katie and Ben, ages 10 and 7, love the monthly virtual science experiments with Emma.  In the past year, my daughter has enjoyed virtual painting, crafts, and book clubs with Emma and Raasha.  We love the Take and Make Activity kits.  Recently, my daughter and I participated in a multigenerational book club on racism which was excellent.   We are starting to enjoy in-person programming now as well with the most recent being a fun bird house building/painting program.  The librarians are very helpful and enthusiastic during all programming events and visits to the library.  As an active patron of many libraries in the state, I have been very impressed with the amount of programming for kids and adults that WWPL offers.  My kids are avid readers so they love libraries but the WWPL has much more to offer.  Thanks for all you do to enrich the community!"

- Jen, Mark, Katie and Ben, Patron Family

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On this fine Friday afternoon, we're turning our #shareyourstory spotlight to the Johnson family, who took time from their busy routine to record this video for us. The video more than speaks for itself, so give it a watch when you can! Our sincerest thank you to the Johnson family!

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"West Warwick Public Library Role Playing Game Guild has brought new friends into my life and some much needed remote programming during quarantine. I genuinely question how I would have fared without the weekly social interaction over Zoom. These role playing games and the community fostered by West Warwick Public Library allowed me to take part in collaborative storytelling and character building. These things then led me to joining the Writer's Guild and their remote National Novel Writing Month seminars. In short West Warwick Public Library offered space and resources for creativity and connection at a time I needed them most."

- Amanda-Lynne Prior, Patron and RPG Guild Member

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"We discovered our local library during the pandemic when our daycare center closed and we were running out of things to do with our toddler.  We are now regular visitors to the library and our son looks forwards to getting "new books" as well as rediscovering old favorites.  Now that library operations are more normal, we are discovering so many great programs and enrichment opportunities provided here.  And for the penny pincher in me, I love how the check-out receipt shows you the money saved from borrowing instead of buying!"

- Shared Anonymously

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"As chairperson of the education committee of Rhode Island Holocaust and Genocide Education coalition it was my good fortune to be introduced to Colin McCullough . Through his good efforts it was possible for the coalition to make presentations on the Armenian Genocide and on the Holocaust to the library’s community. These presentations were well attended and afforded the community the opportunity to gain insights into these historic events and their implications to our state to this very time. In addition to coordinating these speaking events the library also developed exhibits which were present before and after the presentations. We are grateful to the West Warwick library for their commitment to social justice and look forward to more programming in the near future."

- Leonard Newman, Chairperson, RI Holocaust and Genocide Education Coalition
Photo courtesy of the Providence Journal, credit: David DelPoio

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Meet Vinnie! She's been a member of our homebound outreach program for 9 years! She looks forward to days like today when Anne, the program's coordinator, pays her a visit to drop off a delivery package of books, audiobooks, movies, and more. Today we're pointing the spotlight at Vinnie and all of our outreach patrons to say thank you for participating in this program. WWPL is proud to have kept homebound outreach going through the pandemic, bringing the library to the homes of those without the means to visit in-person. If you or a loved one could use our services, visit wwpl.org/services for more info!

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"The West Warwick Public Library has had wonderful impact on my life, especially throughout 2020 - it provided a virtual space to continue to connect with people in a time that connection and physical gathering felt impossible. Yet, I was able to join a great group of Tabletop role playing games that met mid-week and it has honestly become one of the best parts of my week.

I am also continually impressed by WWPL's innovative and person-based programming and initiatives. It is so clear that each program is thoughtful and meant to engage with the community, not solely to increase circulation or get people through the doors."

- Shared Anonymously

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"The West Warwick Public Library has helped me to stay connected, plugged in, and informed.  The friendly staff are always ready to go out of their way to make me, a resident of West Warwick, feel welcomed and serve (quite impressively).  I attended a 2019 Job Core RI session at the library in a comfortably sized room, and was able to land a job that fall.  Furthermore, Maria Saillant has been a force, going beyond the ELL job to triggering the racial justice sector.  She joined me in creating the Overflow group, a racial equity sounding board, writing up the history, mission, and vision, and hosting the monthly meetings.  She is an amazing person, has great resources, and is tireless in this capacity."

- Paul Council, Patron and Overflow Group Associate

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"West Warwick Public Library has served a dynamic partnership with Job Club RI for the past 12 years hosting weekly meetings for our group of unemployed and under employed individuals who travel 1-2 hours to attend sessions from RI, Mass and CT.. The mission, visibility, community development and regional profile of Job Club RI has been significantly enhanced through the leadership and support from the WWPL and has been a major contribution to the growth and development of Job Club RI.  Thank you for your continued support."

- Steve Colella, Founder and Director, Job Club RI

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"My boys had a fantastic visit to the library. We got a tree, saw some baby chicks, the boys got library cards and we borrowed some cool educational toys. Thank you for making our experience so great!"

- Heather Beauvais and Family, New WWPL Patrons

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"The West Warwick Public Library is a tremendously valuable resource for our community and an essential partner for our schools. Community partnership is a cornerstone of their service. Librarian Rashaa Al-Sasah is an especially  tireless advocate for the students at West Warwick High School.

Every year Rashaa holds a public library card drive at our school. She regularly visits classes both in person and online to promote the library teen services, engage students in a variety of library program offerings, and encourage their participation in activities that support lifelong learning. After school each day, many of our students flock to the library as a welcoming space where they can make crafts, enjoy virtual gaming, browse the extensive teen book collection, and get help locating learning materials. Rashaa consistently provides our school libraries with promotional materials each month to inform students and teachers about upcoming events and programs.

During the COVID-19 related school closures, Rashaa quickly adapted to changing needs to continue to serve our community.  She helped to streamline the online application process for our students to submit library card applications and improve accessibility. Next, she was instrumental in securing a partnership with Hoopla, which allowed our students to gain online access to this virtual database. She quickly prepared and shared a document with links to resources for school librarians to share with students and teachers to promote awareness of public library support online services during building closures. Lastly, Rashaa promoted the use of the website service Beanstack with our students for the summer reading program. The West Warwick Public Library has an incredibly positive impact on our community and  is an outstanding candidate for recipient of the 2021 IMLS award!"

- Kelly Inman, Teacher Librarian West Warwick Public Schools

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"West Warwick Public Library shaped my career. I’m now a Librarian in Massachusetts! I worked as an aide at WWPL from 2001 until 2009. The library is such an invaluable resource and I didn’t realize there was so much more to it than books when I started working there. Through social media, I get to see all the cool stuff they’re doing and am inspired! For example, the free feminine hygiene products."

- Erin Desrochers D’Agostino, Former Staff, Librarian and Patron

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"I have loved this library for decades. It’s a gem in our community! From studying in the quiet room during grad school to bringing my son to the children’s area to inspire reading, it’s been a consistent presence in our lives. Such a deserving honor. Good luck WWPL!"

- Linda Moffat, Patron

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"My liaison with the West Warwick Public Library began about 10 years ago when I moved to the town of West Warwick. Coming originally from Austria, being an enthusiastic reader, and a former librarian, I was looking for a place to meet people, to learn about culture and traditions, and to improve my English language skills. I was lucky when I engaged with the instructors of the West Warwick Public Library under the leadership of Susan Schweikart, Mara Cole, and now, Maria Saillant.

From the beginning on, I was impressed by the effort of the literacy department staff to teach and improve the English skills of their students that came from all corners of this planet and from different walks of life. It was the ESL -Conversation class that enriched my life, but also the ESL – Book Club. Furthermore, I experienced outstanding support when I had to write papers for my CCRI – classes.

The West Warwick Public Library is a very inviting, patron friendly, and supporting place whose staff tries even in these challenging times of a pandemic to serve their community to the best of their abilities. If any library deserves recognition about significant and exceptional contributions to their community, the West Warwick Library is the one."

- Christine Wannenmacher, ELL Student and Patron

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"My most significant memory of the West Warwick Public Library dates back many years, before the library was even built.

I was a young girl attending the Harris Avenue Elementary School.  One evening my mother returned from a PTA meeting to announce that she had good news.  Mr. Robert Champlin had donated property to the town for the purpose of building a library!  Indeed, I remember the big house that sat on the corner where we waited for the UTC bus that would take us home at the end of the school day and where the library now stands.

A move out of town and then out of state put the library out of my mind for years.  However, moving back to West Warwick as a first-year elementary teacher meant that I could avail myself of the large collection of children’s books, especially nonfiction based on units in social studies and science that were part of the curriculum.

Fast forward to my retirement a few years ago.  It was with utter delight that I was then able to join the monthly book discussion group!  Several months into this we were invited by the then-director to a meeting to discuss the formation of the Friends of the West Warwick Library, a volunteer organization whose focus would be to help support all library progams.

I am pleased to say that it has been a joy to be part of the Friends and to witness the growth of this precious library, which is here for all members of the West Warwick community and beyond.

And whenever I enter the library I never fail to remember the night my mother brought home that very good news!

- Shared Anonymously

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"My local library is a wonderful resource since I moved to West Warwick in 1997. As my vision became more impaired, the library provided books on CD and Playaway. The variety was wide: hearing Agatha Christie, M.C. Beaton, James Patterson, Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, and Anita Diamant added a dimension to great stories. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, having various readers voice stories to me helped mitigate quarantine and isolation. Circulation staff is always cheerful and welcoming. The Book Nook is another wonderful feature. I have purchased many items! A real surprise was music CD's - often classical. These were a calming influence and affordable. I appreciate each visit as a highlight when I feel a friendly atmosphere. For a few years I also brought an elderly neighbor, Tom. He was a shut in but looked forward to a bi-monthly road trip to the library. His mom took him to a library 65 years ago in Connecticut. Thank you to the town and staff for this privilege."

- Shared Anonymously

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"The West Warwick Public Library has impacted my life greatly! I've been able to finish three of my ten books by sitting myself down in the computer lab and just concentrating. Being at home doesn't always afford the quiet space I need, and the library is a short drive, so I've taken advantage of the opportunity! I just bring my portable hard drive with me, plug it in, and type type type. I'm so grateful for the space afforded to me to write (and, of course, I have missed it tremendously this past year)."

- Martha Reynolds, Local Author and Patron

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"I started taking my twins to the West Warwick Public Library when they were three for story time. It was great as they also did a little activity after the story. My son enjoyed playing the computer games at four years old while my daughter looked at books. I took them to a chick exhibit held in the lower level at that same day. When they were school age, once a week for about four weeks during the Summers for a few years, my twins had reading sessions with volunteer high schoolers at the library. It was great practice for them, as during the Summers, sometimes reading levels decline. I believe all these activities , made my twins excited about reading!!  They also loved to take pictures on the bench next to the statue of the children reading. This was the impact the West Warwick Public Library had on our lives!! My twins will be 13 at the end of April and are in the 7th grade."

- Melissa Coppola, Patron

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"I love the West Warwick Library. It is always nice and clean, hand sanitizer is always full and staff are very nice, friendly, caring, and helpful. They also help you right away with whatever needs you may have. They also welcome you in and out of the library all the time and even give bags for checking out your books."

- Dena Titus, Patron

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"Our nonprofit, Intercambio Uniting Communities, has had a wonderful partnership with WWPL. Recently, our Executive Director co-presented at the largest adult education conference with Maria Saillant, the ELL coordinator at WWPL. The topic was about Sparking Conversations about race with English learners. Maria has shared a great deal of wisdom and experience with our staff around the topic of equity, and we are excited to continue partnering and sharing best practices around these critical issues."

- Lee Shainis, Intercambio Executive Director

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"I have had the pleasure of working with Maria Saillant - ELL Literacy Coordinator and Community Liaison with West Warwick Public Library - for over two years in my role with Intercambio Uniting Communities. Through our common work with adult ELLs, Maria has shared a wealth of knowledge, resources, and inspiration. She brings a unique and incredibly skillful approach to her ELL program - understanding not only the academic needs of her students, but also approaching the work with a deep level of concern for their lives and diverse stories. I have no doubt that the ELL program with West Warwick Public Library is exceptional and life changing for the students served."

- Kira Ross, Intercambio Partner Services Manager

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The West Warwick Public Library has been nominated as a finalist for the 2021 IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Service. As part of the celebration, we are asking our patrons and friends to #shareyourstory as to how the Library has impacted your life. To kick off the celebration, I wanted to share my story with you.

My name is Caitlin and I am the Head of Circulation at the West Warwick Public Library. If you have been to the Library over the past 10 years, you might have seen me upstairs in the Reference Department or more recently in the Circulation Department. I have been coming to the Library for as long as I can remember, and grew up attending programs and storytime in the Children's Department where my Mom worked for almost 25 years.

When I was old enough, I began volunteering at the Library and have now worked in some capacity in almost every department. As a High School student I was a Children's Department volunteer, during my summers home from college I was an ESL tutor, and I was a volunteer in the library bookstore that eventually became the Book Nook. The Library has been part of my life for as long as I can remember and I am so happy to work here and serve the community that I live in. It is such an honor to be nominated for this award, and I hope you join me in sharing your story with us.
- Caitlin Mendoza, Head of Circulation