Tanzi invites Narragansett library board to House for National Library Week commemoration

Representative calls for library construction project to move forward STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives marked National Library Week and Rhode Island Library Day last week with a resolution sponsored by Rep. Teresa Tanzi commemorating the celebrations. On hand for the passage of the resolution were a number of representatives from the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library in Narragansett, who were Representative Tanzi’s guests in the House chamber. The resolution, passed April 11, recognized the national celebration April 7 through April 13 and proclaimed Saturday, April 13, to be Rhode Island Library Day.  The resolution expressed “sincere gratitude to those dedicated individuals who work, volunteer, and advocate for libraries across our state.” Representative Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) invited representatives of the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library for the passage of the resolution to show her support for the efforts to construct a new library in the town. “Libraries are such a critical part of the fabric of our communities; a truly democratic place where everyone — no exceptions — is welcome to visit, enjoy, learn and share. This is an opportunity to honor the incredible value that they, and all their staff, volunteers and contributors, add to our communities,” said Representative Tanzi. “In particular, I support the efforts of the board, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library, and their work to see the library construction project through. I agree with them, along with the vast majority of the Narragansett voters who supported the library bond in 2016, that this project is overdue and the people of Narragansett deserve to finally have a modern building that is an appropriate size, is accessible and can truly support the needs of our community.” IN PHOTO: Rep. Teresa Tanzi, Sen. Bridget G. Valverde and Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee in the State Library with guests from the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library, who visited the State House April 11 to mark National Library Week and Rhode Island Library Day. From left are Gail Shields, Karen Shabshelowitz, Ann Sullivan, and Gloria Roman of the library board; Mary Ann Grintchenko, president of the Friends of the Maury Loontjens Memorial Library; library board Chairwoman Laurie Kelly; Representative Tanzi; Senator Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Narragansett, South Kingstown); library Director Patti Arkwright (front); library board member Ellen Kooima; Narragansett Town Councilor Jesse Pugh; Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett); library board member Nancy McKenna and Narragansett resident Melissa Jenkins.