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SR 1031

SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING "SAVING WANSKUCK LIBRARY: A CELEBRATION OF COUNCILMAN ANDREW J. ANNALDO, JR." ON MAY 7TH OF 2025

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 9 co-sponsors

Recognizes the community-led saving and reopening of Wanskuck Library, led by Councilman Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr., and honors ongoing literacy advocacy.

05/07/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 1031

Summary of Senate Resolution SR 1031

Overview

SR 1031 is a Rhode Island Senate resolution honoring the historical saving of the Wanskuck Library and recognizing the pivotal role of Councilman Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr. in that effort. The resolution is commemorative, not legislative, and is intended to publicly acknowledge contributions to the library and the community.

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (not a bill to become law)
  • Introduced: May 7, 2025
  • Status: Read and passed by the Senate on May 7, 2025
  • Action: Recommended for Immediate Consideration and subsequently approved in the Senate on the same day
  • Official Transmission: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies to Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr., and Denise Brophy, Wanskuck Library Manager

Purpose and Intent

  • Honor and celebrate the saving of the Wanskuck Library and the leadership of Councilman Annaldo in mobilizing community support and funding.
  • Acknowledge the ongoing contributions of local Library Friends groups and community advocates who helped sustain the library.
  • Highlight the importance of literacy and public libraries as democratic, accessible institutions.

Background and Context

The resolution recounts the library’s historical arc:
- 1910: Wanskuck Library opens with 1,117 volumes, funded in part by the Wanskuck Company, which provided space and janitorial services.
- 1928–1981: A Providence Public Library branch on Veazie Street serves Wanskuck residents until funding shortages led to its closure.
- 1981–1987: Closure devastates the community; Councilman Annaldo commits to reopening the library.
- 1984: Annaldo and local advocates secure funding to reopen.
- 1987: After a delay caused by a fire, the library reopens on June 3, and a Library Friends group is established to sustain the library’s presence.
- The resolution frames these events as a community achievement underscoring literacy and civic engagement.

Key Provisions

  • Formal recognition of the saving of Wanskuck Library.
  • Acknowledgment of Councilman Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr.’s leadership in the fundraising and reopening efforts.
  • Statements honoring the community members and advocates who supported the library’s revival.
  • Authorization for the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the named individuals.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and placed on the Senate calendar for Immediate Consideration on May 7, 2025.
  • Senate action: Read and passed on the same day (May 7, 2025).
  • This consolidation reflects a ceremonial or commemorative purpose rather than a substantive policy change or appropriation.

Potential Impact

  • Symbolic recognition that can strengthen community pride and ongoing involvement with the Wanskuck Library.
  • May serve as an inspirational reference for future library advocacy and public-private partnerships.
  • No direct fiscal implications or statutory changes are anticipated from this resolution.

Recipient and Honorees

  • Honoree: The Wanskuck Library, its staff and patrons, and the broader community who contributed to its revival.
  • Specific acknowledgment: Councilman Andrew J. Annaldo, Jr., for his leadership in securing funds and reopening the library.
  • Additional acknowledgment: Denise Brophy, Wanskuck Library Manager, as a recipient of certified copies.

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

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