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SR 1144

SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING AND THANKING KAREN MCGRATH FOR THIRTY-NINE YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CRANSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Hanna Gallo and 2 co-sponsors

Senate Resolution 1144 formally recognizes Karen McGrath for 39 years leading Cranston’s Auburn library and expanding the Books @ Home program for homebound patrons.

06/10/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 1144

Summary of Rhode Island Senate Resolution SR 1144

Overview

Senate Resolution 1144 honors and thanks Karen McGrath for nearly four decades of service to Rhode Island libraries, focusing on her 39 years as the Auburn branch librarian for the Cranston Public Library. The resolution recognizes her leadership, innovative programs, and service within professional library organizations, and wishes her a happy retirement. It is a ceremonial, non-binding acknowledgment.

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly recognize Karen McGrath’s longstanding dedication to public library service in Cranston and Rhode Island.
  • To highlight the impact of her programs, particularly for homebound patrons, and to celebrate her leadership within library associations.
  • To authorize the transmission of a certified copy of the resolution to McGrath.

Key Provisions and Highlights

  • Personal and Professional Background:
    • Karen McGrath served as the Auburn branch librarian at Cranston Public Library for 39 years; she has a 45-year career in Rhode Island public libraries.
    • She earned a Master of Library Science from Simmons College.
  • Programs and Innovations:
    • Initiated a program to deliver books to homebound patrons in 1996, which evolved into the Books @ Home program, serving Cranston’s homebound population for 29 years.
  • Professional Involvement and Recognition:
    • Former Trustee at the Tyler Free Library (Foster) and longtime member of the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA).
    • Served 20 years on the RILA conference committee.
    • Recognized nationally by the American Library Association for work with the Books @ Home program.
    • Honored with RILA’s Service Award in 2013 for two decades as RILA Conference Committee Chair.
  • Formal Conclusion:
    • The Senate extends heartfelt best wishes for a happy, well-deserved retirement.
    • The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to Karen McGrath.

Affected Parties

  • Karen McGrath (individually honored).
  • Cranston Public Library and its Auburn branch.
  • Rhode Island library community, including the Rhode Island Library Association (RILA) and homebound patrons who benefit from the Books @ Home program.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: June 6, 2025, by Senators Vargas, Gallo, and Patalano.
  • Status: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar; Senate read and passed on June 10, 2025.
  • Nature of Measure: A resolution (ceremonial in nature), not a law or appropriations bill; no fiscal implications stated.

Significance

SR 1144 provides formal, public recognition of a distinguished career in library services and highlights the positive impact of innovative outreach programs. It also serves as a historical record of McGrath’s contributions to Cranston’s libraries and Rhode Island’s professional library community.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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