Knight Memorial Library to Receive $544,000 Facelift Thanks to Champlin Foundation Grant

Grant Award Will Fund Critical Repairs to the Exterior of the Historic Building

PROVIDENCE, RI – Providence Community Library (PCL), has been awarded $544,800 by the Champlin Foundation to repair, renovate and preserve the exterior of Knight Memorial Library. The grant will fund cleaning and renovations to all exterior masonry as well as repairs to the roof, guttering, cornice and skylights. The work will take place in Spring 2018.

“This is the first major work on the exterior of Knight Memorial since the library was built in 1922 and decades of deterioration have resulted in leaks and other damage,” said Jeffrey Cannell, Library Director. “We are delighted that we can now schedule more extensive repair work on this beautiful building, which is in the heart of the Elmwood Historic District. It’s a boost for the entire neighborhood,” he added. Knight Memorial Library was closed for urgent repairs and upgrades from July to October this year.

“I grew up down the street from the Knight Memorial Library and know how important it is for families in the neighborhood,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza.” Libraries are important centers of learning and exploration that enrich lives. I thank the Champlin Foundation for helping to preserve this irreplaceable community resource.”

The Distribution Committee of the Champlin Foundation is pleased to provide grant funding to PCL to help this important institution advance its vital mission. Champlin Foundation grants are awarded on a competitive basis and its grant to PCL is a reflection of its confidence in the organization’s ability to improve the lives of Rhode Islanders in significant ways.

PCL, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the largest library system in Rhode Island. Three regional libraries, Rochambeau on the East Side, Mount Pleasant on the West Side and Knight Memorial on the South Side serve larger areas of the city, while Fox Point, Smith Hill, Washington Park, South Providence, Olneyville and Wanskuck serve the needs of smaller, diverse neighborhoods. PCL provides 54,000 patrons with materials, resources and services, programs, free computer and internet access and much more. For more information, visit www.provcomlib.org.

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