PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Center for the Book at Providence Public Library has been honored for its innovative reading-promotion efforts with the 2008 Boorstin Award.
The $1,000 prize recognizes the local center’s “successful period of renewal under the leadership of the Providence Public Library, which resulted in increased individual and organizational membership,” the PPL said yesterday in announcing the award.
Its signature event, Reading Across Rhode Island, gained specific mention for its development of new reading-promotion programs targeting specific constituencies, its focus the art of the book, and such marketing achievements such as its new logo and Web site.
Reading Across Rhode Island drew a record crowd of 825 last month to a RARI breakfast featuring Sara Gruen, author of “Water for Elephants,” and Robin Kall, host of the “Reading with Robin Radio Show” on 920AM WHJJ and RARI’s honorary chairperson for 2008.
The local program – an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book – was one of three state Centers for the Book honored on May 14, in Washington, D.C., during the Library of Congress’ annual State Exchange Day. The Kansas and Ohio centers were also honored.
The annual awards each carry a $1,000 stipend. The Boorstin Awards were established through a gift from the late Ruth F. Boorstin. They honor her husband, former Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin (1975-1987), who established the national Center for the Book in 1977.
Since 1984, affiliates of the national center have been established in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia. The statewide programs must apply for renewal from the Library of Congress every three years and must provide their own financial and in-kind support.
The Rhode Island Center for the Book at Providence Public Library celebrates the art and heritage of reading, writing, making and sharing books, and works to promote a love of reading among people of all ages and backgrounds. For more information, visit www.ribook. To learn about RARI’s Reading Across Rhode Island book club, visit www.readingacrossri.org.
The Providence Public Library is a 130-year-old private, nonprofit organization that serves as a public library for the City of Providence, providing free information resources, education and community services. It also operates the Statewide Reference Resource Center, serving all Rhode Islanders with educational, cultural enrichment and economic advancement opportunities. To learn more, visit www.provlib.org.
