The Fight That Saved The Libraries

"It's great that the story of Linda Kushner, and the community leaders who came together to save Providence's community libraries, is being told. I've witnessed and been a part of many advocacy efforts over the years-but this one stands out to me because of the determination and persistence with which it was organized. And, because of the incredibly important result- the preservation of community libraries for all of the people of Providence."

-David Cicilline

"In 2004 residents of Providence, Rhode Island awoke to the disturbing fact that the public library system was neither public, nor permanent. A board of privately elected directors who actually ran the branches and the main library, had decided to shutter branch libraries in poor neighborhoods and to fire librarians, custodians, and staff while giving their Director a huge pay raise. The community was outraged. But all was not lost.

Linda Kushner has documented a lesson in civic heroism, how people living in Providence collaborated together to save their libraries and gifted the city's residents with the ability to read, research, and reflect in their own neighborhood libraries. Thanks to their efforts, there is now a robust collection of libraries in greater Providence. Ms Kushner has given us a text book history of what it takes for us to take back power and become our own cultural warriors. A must read!"

-Paula Vogel

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Community Libraries of Providence.