Annual Report of the Providence Athenæum JULY 2015 - JUNE 2016 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

T HAS BEEN a distinct privilege to serve Candy Adriance as President of the Board of this remarkable President institution. My life has been so enriched by the Athenæum - by its programs, its people, Grace Farmer and its public mission. Vice President My involvement with the Athenæum began more than Kqantu Pareja Bent a decade ago. At the Athenæum I found so many kin- Secretary dred spirits committed to civil discourse in an increas- ingly polarized era. Simply being in the Athenæum fills R. Tripp Evans one’s soul - to be surrounded by art, literature, and rare, Secretary wonderful books uplifts everyone who experiences it. Stephen Coon The Athenæum’s dedicated and talented board made so Treasurer many important contributions this year. In 2016, we be- gan to implement the strategies outlined in Vision 2020, Kristi Agniel and together we developed a concrete and measurable working plan for the next 18 months. Like the gener- Julie Andrews ations of trustees who came before us, the Board has a keen understanding of what the Athenæum represents Jonathan F. Bell culturally, and what it means to the city of Providence. Kipp Bradford The institution never fails to educate, to interest, and to inspire, and we must preserve this rare and wonderful Kas R. DeCarvalho, gem for future generations. Esq. Looking back over my tenure, I’m astonished by how Holly Gaboriault many of my friendships began at the Athenæum. Through the Athenæum, I’ve had a chance to meet so Mark Gim many wonderful thinkers, writers, and artists, and to connect with this unique and remarkable community. Ethan H. Kisch, It’s a community that reflects our founders’ original MD vision: that learning is something that happens through- out our lives, and that there’s always something new to Allen Kurzweil experience and think about. Cathy Lund, DVM I’m honored to welcome our new President, R. Tripp Evans, who has helped me more fully appreciate the Timothy Phibrick Athenæum’s wonderful artistic holdings. Like our new Executive Director Matt Burriesci, Tripp brings such Deming Sherman great enthusiasm and spirit to this library, and I’m confi- Ex officio dent that in their capable hands, the Athenæum’s future has never looked brighter. This report highlights the operational and financial activities of the Providence Athenæum and reflects gifts make to the Athenæum over the 12-month period July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. Candy Adriance FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STATISTICS

Y FIRST YEAR in this position has taught me that the Athenæum is more than a library, or just a beautiful, historic PATRONS & VISITORS SERVED BY THE LIBRARY building. It’s a statement of what the citizens of Providence val- ue. For almost 200 years, the people of this city have sustained an institution whose purpose is to enrich the literary, cultural, and intellec- tual pursuits of the community. In today’s increasingly transactional culture that purpose might seem antiquated or silly, and yet in 2016 the Athenæum 45,255 is thriving and growing faster than it has in years. We are serving our old friends, finding new audiences, and more often than not, we are filled to VISITORS TO THE CHILDREN’S LIBRARY capacity with readers, thinkers, and cultural leaders. This institution seeks to bolster that part of our lives that has no “ROI,” no “dashboards,” and no “metrics,” save for those that are maddeningly unquan- tifiable: are we becoming better, happier human beings? Are we becoming 5,648 more compassionate, more discerning, and more curious? Are our intel- lectual and cultural horizons expanding? Have we met someone new and TOTAL MEMBERS OPEN HOURS/WEEK welcomed that person into our community? Have we read a good book, or even a terrible one that we can laugh at? Are we enjoying ourselves? Are we finding time to simply read, relax, and contemplate? Are we thinking new thoughts, and challenging our former selves? 1001 60 It’s easy to get bogged down with distractions and details in our jobs. In my job the details come in battalions - the roof leaks, the database goes down, the wine runs out - and of course, the details must be tended to. But some- times those details can assume the shape of purpose, and leave us chasing Programs Library Services shadows rather than forms. It occurs to me that I’ve written dozens of letters like these for annual ADULT COLLECTION reports, and usually I’ll trot out the bullet points: we fixed our roof, we grew 110 EVENTS 183,619 SIZE the membership, we launched several new successful programs, we raised ADULT EVENT NUMBER OF more money, and we overhauled our databases. These are important ac- 6,294 ATTENDEES ACQUISITIONS complishments, of course, and they’re all thanks to your support, and to the 1,942 herculean efforts of the magnificent staff and board. We have detailed plans CHILDREN’S ITEMS and we’re executing them. And we’re serious enough about the details, as 146 EVENTS 30,193 BORROWED you’ll see in this report. CHILDREN’S EVENT REFERENCE But more importantly, this year we continued to be a place worthy of this 1,706 ATTENDEES 169 QUESTIONS great city and its people: a place that enriches the literary, cultural, and intel- RESEARCH lectual lives of our community; a place devoted to advancing the humanities. Communications 75 APPOINTMENTS It’s a wonderful time to be part of the Athenæum. Thank you for sharing in its success, and for continuing to find value here. GROWTH IN 27% EMAIL LIST GROWTH IN SOCIAL 63% MEDIA FOLLOWERS Matt Burriesci We served 75 RESEARCHERS in the Philbrick Rare Book Room and provid- ed TOURS AND CLASSES to over 350 people from young students to adults. Highlights of the Special Collections tours include the Poe Project with De La Salle Middle School and Writers in the Schools funded by Susan Jaffe Tane; bibliophiles from the Sheridan Libraries Group at Johns Hopkins Uni- versity; and the Wheaton College Cataloging Curiosities Project. There were COLLECTIONS over a dozen pop-up EXHIBITS to complement programs, showcasing books on 19th century design, Egyptology, natural history, Shakespeare, and Poe, as well as African American sheet music on loan from the John Hay Library. In addition, nine items from the collections were loaned out for display to the Women Artists 1880-1940: Transforming Community exhibition at the Univer- sity of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, and a volume on time travel was exhibited in Portals: The History of the Future at the Providence Pubic Library. This year, the Athenæum completed a ten-year conservation of its Another significant achievement was the development of a DIGITAL GALLERY DESCRIPTION DE L’ÉGYPTE. We are deeply indebted to the Mary Dexter to showcase the Special Collections on the Athenæum’s newly designed web- Chafee Fund for their support to restore the original 1830s red morocco site. The new feature includes over 50 highlights from our rare book, manu- and gilt French bindings. We celebrated the completion of this project in script, painting, sculpture, and decorative arts collections. We also introduced the spring with an exhibition from the magnificent 25 volume set and a the Discover blog that documents recent discoveries within the collection by Salon featuring the Egyptian cabinet built to house the Description with researchers and staff members. Christopher Monkhouse, Eloise W. Martin Curator of European Decorative Our CIRCULATION was again slightly lower this year: 30,193 compared to Arts at the Art Institute of Chicago. 32,477 the year before, continuing a national trend that the library has observed During the winter we embarked on the CATALOGING CURIOSITIES PROJECT since 2013. There were 1,943 items added to the collection including books, under the guidance of Wheaton College Professor R. Tripp Evans to cata- audiobooks, DVDs, and periodicals for children and adults. While the number log the fine arts holdings at the Athenæum. His art history senior seminar of items circulating in the library has declined, the number of people served by worked diligently in the Archives to research and write essays for over one the library has increased due in part to the popularity of our programing and hundred objects. This initiative brought attention to lesser known items in reading groups, as well as the redesign of the website and publications. the collection, such as two previously unidentified plaster busts of Cicero During the year, the Athenæum signed a new contract with Innovative In- and a Roman General. As a result of this project, these busts as well as one terfaces to migrate our library CATALOGING AND ACQUISITIONS SYSTEM from of Darwin were restored. Millennium to Sierra. The move to a new system will ensure that the re- We acquired two new objects for ciprocal borrowing privileges between the Fleet Library at RISD and the the ART COLLECTION. A striking Athenæum continue. Reference Librarian Carol Tatian retired in July 2015, modern portrait painting of Ed- but returned as a volunteer to assist staff with collection management, and she gar Allan Poe, completed in 1950 was instrumental in reviewing, sorting, and organizing collections in prepara- by Russian-American artist Jo- tion for the Platner Wing renovation. seph Solman, was acquired from We were proud to partner with the following organizations this year: as220; Ronni Solman, the daughter of FirstWorks; Brown University; De La Salle Middle School; John Carter the artist, through the efforts of Brown Library; John Hay Library; Providence Public Library; Rhode Island Circulation Assistant Morgan Black Heritage Society; Rhode Island School of Design; UMass Dartmouth; Ross. A beautiful plaster cast of Wheaton College; and Writers in the Schools. The Athenæum provided tours Madame Récamier was also add- or classes to Brown University; Cumberland High School; New Urban Arts; ed to the collection, gifted by an Renaissance and Early Modern Studies at Brown University; Rhode Island anonymous donor to honor the School of Design; Roger Williams University; Sheridan Libraries Advisory 10th anniversary of the Salon at Board, Johns Hopkins University; Lifelong Learning Collaborative; and Uni- the Athenæum. versity of Rhode Island Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. Emerita Coppélia Kahn). The Salon was often complemented by pop-up exhibits in the Philbrick Rare Book Room, showcasing items from our ex- tensive Special Collections. The Reading Room was filled to the brim each Friday night as attendance averaged well over 100. The Salon featuring Geraldine Brooks was our most attended program ever. We are indebted to those who continue to make the PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Salon possible, including our cadre of phenomenal volunteers. The Athenæum’s READING GROUPS likewise enjoyed a fantastic year. Our six groups (the Athenæum Book Discussion Group led by Susan Cohen; the Contemporaries led by Holly Gaboriault; the Examined Life led by Robert Allio; James Joyce led by Rhoda Flaxman; Proust led by Stephen Coon; and Roberto Bolaño led by Stephen Coon) tackled an array of literature and ma- terial. All led by members, these monthly groups brought togeth- The Athenæum welcomed over 45,000 visitors this year, a 14.5% increase er 221 participants to read, dis- from last year and a record number for the library. The implementation of cuss, and dissect works from our the visual identity rebrand begun in 2014-15 and the launch of our new- collection and beyond. ly designed website had a significant impact on the Athenæum’s visibility The CONTEMPORARIES young in the community and overall user experience. Staff, board, and members professionals group also had a alike were thrilled to see the public face of the library reflect the vibrant busy calendar this year. Its 500+ goings-on within. members were invited to an ar- Our historic building and public offerings caught the eye of multiple nation- ray of events around town, in- al and local PRESS OUTLETS, including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, cluding a kick-off soirée at the and Rhode Island Monthly. Condé Nast Traveler went so far as to name the Dean Hotel, jazz night at the li- Athenæum one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. We introduced brary, a performance of To Kill free, STAFF-LED PUBLIC TOURS twice per week in addition to our self-guided a Mockingbird at Trinity Rep, the Raven Tour which have been consistently well-attended as they introduce return of the Athenæum’s pub both tourists and locals to the library and its history. quiz, a tour of R. Tripp Evans and Ed Cabral’s amazing loft and The vast majority of our EVENTS continue to be free and open to the public, art collection, and a behind-the- and we were proud to serve 6,300 members and patrons at our adult programs scenes look at the DWRI Let- this year. We held 110 events, including 23 Friday-night Salons. Our recur- terpress studio. The program has ring library orientation events and the Rhode Island School of Design’s Fleet played a significant role in intro- Library tours boasted record attendance as over 200 participants joined us to ducing younger audiences to the learn more about the Athenæum and the benefits of membership. library and its offerings. In February, the Athenæum celebrated the TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE The Athenæum was proud to SALON. Our signature programming series has been a significant success for partner with an array of outstanding cultural organizations during our pro- the organization over the last decade, and this year was no exception. The graming seasons, including as220, Brown University, Cable Car Cinema, Salon featured a variety of speakers, bringing to us topics as diverse as King Community MusicWorks, the Dean Hotel, DWRI, EcoRI News, First- David (Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks), the discoveries Works, Frequency Writers, Goat Hill Writers, John Carter Brown Library, of Alexander von Humboldt (historian and writer Andrea Wulf), design for Preserve Rhode Island, PVDFest, Rhode Island Chamber Concerts, Rhode extreme environments (NASA coordinator and RISD critic Michael Lye), Island Council for the Humanities, Rhode Island Public Radio, the Sandra Aaron Copland’s Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson (Wayman Chin, pianist, Feinstein-Gamm Theatre, Stages of Freedom, Tagus Press, and Trinity Rep- and Karyl Ryczek, soprano), and Shakespeare’s First Folio (Brown Professor ertory Company. to a packed audience. This was the fifth year of the Shakespeare in the Stacks program, and its students always astound us with their dedication, skill, and mastery of Shakespeare. We enjoyed a special partnership with WRITERS IN THE SCHOOLS’ Tina Cane as she brought in over 100 sixth and eighth-grade students from De La Salle Middle School to tour the library, view our Special Collections, CHILDREN’S learn about Edgar Allan Poe, and to participate in a simple book-making project. Inspired by their trip to the library and research, the students wrote original poetry and printed them on broadsides at the DWRI Letterpress studio. The Athenæum hosted the final celebration of the project, and the students welcomed their families to the library. The project was generously funded by Susan Jaffe Tane. On another “note,” MUSIC was in the air when Jessie Holstein and Ealain McMullin of Community MusicWorks presented The Story of Ferdinand set Shakespeare, violins, friendly beasts, puppets, film, and opera! A year in the to music followed by a hands-on violin experience for the young audience. Athenæum’s Children’s Library is always an eclectic adventure. Mary King brought a bushel of silly songs to celebrate the April fool in all of us. Following later in the spring, our annual operatic event was presented This was an especially significant year for our long-time partnership with by the talented and generous students of the Brown Opera. This year our the PROVIDENCE CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL (PCFF), an organization young audience was treated to a lively version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. founded in the Athenæum by a group of library members and friends. In September and October, we hosted two film jury nights for families. As Throughout the years, our ongoing Sing Along STORY HOURS have enjoyed always, children were invited to share their thoughts of the films before the a regular following as infants become toddlers then toddle off to pre-school adults got to talk. The results were unsurprisingly insightful! The Athenæum and new infants join us to start the cycle again. It’s always a joy, as are the also played host to two screenings during the festival itself in February. To summer story hours in the round off the PCFF event cycle, aspiring filmmakers and the general public Gladys Potter Park in part- were invited to the Athenæum for an informative workshop presented by a nership with the Partnership representative from the producers of Sesame Street. Over 300 attendees from for Providence Parks. During all over Rhode Island and beyond came to our library to enjoy these unique the winter months, the three film shorts and participate in the festival and its process. to six-year-old crowd visits on Wednesday afternoons to Martha Douglas-Osmundson, an educator and the representative of the enjoy “big kid” stories and Newport branch of the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION (ESU) brought to our related craft activities. The Reading Room ESU’s annual Shakespeare competition. Teens from high combination of books with schools around the state came together at the Athenæum on a chilly Febru- music and art activities con- ary morning, sonnets and monologues memorized, to compete for the op- tinues to be an enriching ex- portunity to represent our state at ESU’s national competition. 15 students perience for all ages in the presented their orations, many getting into character with gesticulations, Children’s Library. emotions, and theatrical dress. The students were joined by family, friends, and educators to cheer them on. The Providence Journal covered the event, When we weren’t watching and the winner (Steven Rosario from Trinity Academy of the Performing films, making music, or recit- Arts) was awarded a trip to Washington, DC to represent Rhode Island. ing Shakespeare, there were visits from Rhode Island’s best-loved puppe- teer Sparky Davis and her fuzzy cast of characters, the Audubon Society And if that wasn’t enough Shakespeare, Trinity Repertory Company se- of Rhode Island, and their sometimes fuzzy, sometimes feathered friends, lected the Athenæum once again to be the rehearsal hall and stage for their and last but not least, a delightful Poetry Month workshop presented by SHAKESPEARE IN THE STACKS class. This year, Trinity’s 15 aspiring thespians award-winning artist and author Calef Brown. from grades 3-6 performed Much Ado About Nothing throughout the library Due to the generous support of the Mabel T. Woolley Trust, we were able to install a HEARING ASSISTANCE AND AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM in the down- stairs Reading Room. The T Loop allows patrons who wear hearing aids to tune their own devices to pick up the Athenæum’s microphones. Speakers were also installed around the perimeter of the Reading Room to amplify presenters’ voices throughout the room for all. As part of this project, we BUILDING & GROUNDS installed a separate microphone and recorder to record our programs for future use. We purchased additional FURNITURE for the Reading Room for the com- fort of our members and visitors. The leather armchairs have been very well received and are constantly occupied. Several small nineteenth-century tables have also been welcome additions. In the spring, the Athenæum began RENOVATIONS to the 1978 Platner wing of its building. This wing is comprised of the Philbrick Rare Book Room, This year, the Athenæum tackled MULTIPLE PROJECTS, INSTALLATIONS, AND the Children’s Library, and the Technical Services area on the mezzanine INITIATIVES both to maintain and to appropriately update our historic build- level. The construction project commenced in May and continued through ing. The library unwent a significant annual cleaning in the summer of 2015, September 23, 2016. Final inspections occurred September 26, 2016, and the with particular attention paid to the Executive Director’s office in anticipa- space was reoccupied on October 4, 2016. The Athenæum engaged the ser- tion of the arrival of Matt Burriesci in September. The interior and exterior vices of architects Lerner, Ladds and Bartels, Inc. and Keough Construction of the library were spotless in August in preparation an intensive photoshoot for the project. Design, construction, and build-out costs totaled $310,000. to produce images for our new website to be launched in January. The Athenæum is grateful to the Champlin Foundations, the Felicia Fund, Inc., Ida Ballou Littlefield Memorial Trust, Mabel T. Woolley Trust, Murray The 1970s globe pendants on the Main Level posed significant electrical Family Charitable Foundation, and Ocean State Charities Trust for their problems and had to be replaced. The Building & Grounds Committee support. elected to install schoolhouse pendants which blend seamlessly into the library’s To accommodate the construction, staff were moved out of the Technical aesthetic. At the same time, comple- Services area in May and temporary work stations were set up in the Art mentary surface mounts were installed Room and the Philbrick Rare Book Room. The Art Room’s furniture was in alcoves throughout the main level, put into temporary storage until the completion of the project. and LED bulbs replaced the majority of The most significant component of this construction was the installation our incandescent lights. of a NEW ROOF over the Platner wing. The latest building material science In order to make more EXHIBIT SPACE makes this roof longer lasting, provides a tighter barrier against the rain, and available to the public, the door leading windproofs against hurricanes. Roof leaks were becoming a significant issue into the Philbrick Rare Book Room (particularly in our Technical Services area), and the new roof will prevent was moved to the back far side of the water from damaging our collections. While performing due diligence in glass display cases flanking the entrance. advance of the roof replacement, the crew discovered asbestos which need- The lights in these cases were converted ed to be abated and removed. When completed, the roof was water tested, to LEDs in order to illuminate exhibits and infrared scans were completed to ensure the roof was moisture free. more regularly. The public can now en- In addition to the new roof, the Athenæum brought its Technical Services joy exhibits in these two cases during area up to code, installing energy efficient HVAC equipment and LED regular open hours without requesting lighting, putting in new data ports and outlets, replacing the ceiling and special access to the Rare Book Room. carpeting, and partitioning the area to create a more efficient workspace. As the popularity of our programs has increased, it became increasingly dif- The new HVAC system also channels fresh air into the Children’s Library ficult for many of our attendees to hear speakers clearly during our events. and protects portions of our collection. INCOME STATEMENT BALANCE SHEET

REVENUE 2015-16 2014-15 ASSETS 2015-16 2014-15 Membership $144,865 $143,400 Cash $253,157 $212,436 Fundraising $309,559 $294,428 Endowment $9,690,148 $10,283,213 Capital Projects Funding $184,229 $18,405 Receivables $48,545 $24,718 Facility Rental $5,810 $15,815 Prepaid Expenses $22,363 $21,321 Trust Funds $37,329 $36,031 Inventory $2,798 $0 Miscellaneous $19,676 $11,794 Fixed Assets* $1,501,125 $1,374,202 Investment Income for Operations $510,562 $469,740 Total Assets $11,518,136 $11,915,890 Total Revenue $1,212,030 $989,613 LIABILITIES

EXPENSES Accounts Payable $32,412 $20,701 Personnel $751,829 $663,088 Accrued Expenses $48,248 $27,507 Library Materials $43,726 $40,992 Deferred Revenue $3,500 $0 Library Services & Managment $35,886 $28,220 Line of Credit $2,000 $0 Programs $26,449 $14,375 Total Liabilities $86,160 $48,208 Communications & Marketing $27,985 $16,750 EQUITY Membership & Development $34,731 $31,558 Unrestricted $9,018,548 $9,363,482 Building & Grounds $48,786 $46,559 Temporarily Restricted $934,570 $1,017,940 Capital Projects $184,229 $18,405 Permanently Restricted $1,478,858 $1,486,260 General Office & Admin $103,615 $140,683 Total Equity $11,431,976 $11,867,682 Total Expenses $1,257,236 $1,000,630

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS -$45,206 -$11,017 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITIES $11,518,136 $11,915,890

Note: the above financial information includes only unrestricted operating reve- nue and expenses before fixed asset capitalization or depreciation. Further details are published in the audited financial statements that are made available through the accounting department. *Fixed assets are listed here net of accumulated depreciation. TREASURER’S REPORT STAFF & COMMITTEES

The fiscal year ending June 30, 2016 continued the transition of the prior year, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Knott R. Tripp Evans with progress made in the implementation of the strategic plan. Staffing was Alayne Barnicoat, Reference Librarian/ Secretary bolstered by the addition of Executive Director Matt Burriesci in September interim Special Collections Jonathan Bell 2015, and the expanded Building & Grounds and Communications positions Matt Burriesci Assistant Vice President, saw their first full year. Website development and collateral materials redesign Amanda Knox Building & Grounds provided immediate enhancements for Athenæum users and will reap fu- Weekend Circulation Deming Sherman FULL-TIME STAFF Supervisor Ex officio ture rewards in improved communication. Critical capital projects included Amy Eller Lewis long-deferred roof repair and staff office renovations. Christina Bevilacqua Circulation Assistant Director of Programs Sandy Markley BUILDING & GROUNDS Revenues overall improved. Investment income available for operations in- & Public Engagement creased by over 8%. The Annual Fund grew by 11% from just under $220,000 Membership & Jonathan Bell, co-chair Mary Brower Development Assistant in the prior year to more than $243,000 in 2015-16 - a record amount, with Circulation Supervisor Leslie Myers, co-chair record participation. Membership income was essentially flat, while income Morgan Ross Kristi Agniel Ken Garrepy Circulation Assistant from facility rental declined. Capital projects were funded by a combination of Business Manager R. Tripp Evans Carol Tatian* Peter Lofgren grants released from restriction during the fiscal period, plus $225,000 in new Danielle Kemsley Reference Librarian grant funding. This is a solid improvement over the prior year, and the founda- Director of Membership Ralph Turnbull FINANCE tion is being laid for higher earned income in future years. & Development Custodian Leslie Myers Stephen Coon, chair On the expense side, regular (non-capital) operating expenses increased by Lauren VanDenBerg* Building & Grounds Membership & Candy Adriance about 9% over the prior year. The increase was driven largely by personnel ex- Manager R. Tripp Evans pense increases, driven in turn by the new staffing structure, modest wage and Development Associate Brendan Ryan Nancy Whitcomb Grace Farmer salary increases, and higher benefit costs. Other non-personnel department Technical Services Children’s Librarian Mark Gim expenses increased: programming resumed a full schedule after the 2014-15 fall Librarian Assistant Deming Sherman season hiatus; communications and marketing efforts were intensified; and -li Lindsay Shaw Children’s Librarian brary and management included additional costs for the continued restoration GOVERNANCE of the Description de l’Égypte. Some of the increased expense this year was for Robin Wetherill CONTRACTED Communications SERVICES R. Tripp Evans, chair one-time costs, but other expense, such as for personnel, is now built in to our Manager operating cost structure. Kqantu Pareja Bent Kate Wodehouse Emily Atkinson Candy Adriance The Board approved the 2015-16 budget with full knowledge of ending with Director of Collections Grantwriter Julie Andrews a deficit: $45,000 on an operating budget just over $1 million. We know that & Library Services Design Agency Allen Kurzweil Graphic Design/ Cathy Lund this level of performance is not sustainable. The financial goal of the strategic Website Development plan is to reach a new, sustainable level of revenue that will allow the library to PART-TIME STAFF Dyan Vaughan continue to provide the outstanding levels of programming and services that Allen Bestwick Grantwriter INVESTMENT our community demands. The Athenæum has taken further steps to reduce Technical Services Mark Gim, chair and eventually eliminate its operating deficit, including the introduction of Assistant new revenue-generating programs, expanded outreach to build membership EXECUTIVE Candy Adriance Kathleen Bower Stephen Coon and support, and enhanced building rentals. Many of these programs were Circulation Assistant Candy Adriance R. Tripp Evans made possible by the investments we have made in improved staffing and Kirsty Dain President Grace Farmer communications, and we expect to see returns as early as 2016-17. Assistant Circulation Grace Farmer Lyn Johnson Vice President While financial challenges remain and will continue, the Athenæum is confi- Supervisor Mary Lou Kennedy Christopher Garrepy Stephen Coon dent that it understands those challenges and has a sound plan to address them. Paul Silver Temporary Bookkeeper Treasurer Deming Sherman We are deeply grateful for the support of our members, our partners, and our Crystal Johnson Kqantu Pareja Bent* generous donors. Circulation Assistant Secretary *Resigned in 2015-2016 DONATIONS David and Susan Haffenreffer, the De La Salle Middle School Haffenreffer Family Fund at the Rhode Kristin A. DeKuiper Island Foundation Francoise Dussart and Allen Kurzweil Almon and Suzanne Hall Mary-Beth Fafard Don Harper Rhoda and Allen Flaxman, in honor of the We are so grateful to the donors and funders who made this fundraising year the Lyn and Brian Hayden wonderful readers in the Joyce Group Athenæum’s most successful ever. The following pages are a tribute to these people, Lyn Johnson Heather and Ronald Florence, Florence businesses, and foundations who gave cash and in-kind contributions to the library be- James L. Keck II and Eileen Forster Keck Family Fund at the Rhode Island tween July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. The Athenæum is deeply grateful for your support. Drs. Ethan Hillary Kisch and Helene Foundation Kisch-Pniewski Mary Jean B. Freeman Leonard and Linda Levin The Gertrude & Seebert Goldowsky Lois H. and Charles A. Miller Foundation, Foundation FRANCIS WAYLAND CIRCLE Thomas and Antonia Bryson Inc./Chas A. Miller III and Birch Coffey Richard and Cate Gilbane, Richard T. ($25,000+) Joseph A. Chazan, MD, Cathy Lund, DVM, and Peter Karczmar, Gilbane Fund, Fidelity Charitable The Champlin Foundations in honor of Tripp Evans MD/City Kitty Veterinary Care for Cats Teresa and Peter Hacunda James C. Raleigh Memorial Fund at the Douglas Davis and Rachel Littman Marcus Law Offices Sam and Elizabeth Hallowell, in memory Rhode Island Foundation Eastside Marketplace The Murray Family Charitable of William Viall II Sachem Foundation Tripp Evans and Ed Cabral, in honor of Foundation/Suzanne and Terrence Sheila Hughes Candy Adriance Murray Richard and Karen Jessup, in honor of STEPHEN HOPKINS CIRCLE Grace and Carl Farmer Charles Otto and Carol Grant the wonderful staff ($10,000-$24,999) Jonathan and Rita Gewirz Tim and Claudia Philbrick, in honor of Evan and Catherine Jones Anonymous (3) Ira S. and Anna Galkin Charitable Trust/ Candy Adriance Matthew and Diane Josefowicz Mr. and Mrs. John S. Carter, the Carter Ellen and David Galkin Dian K. Reynolds Danielle Kemsley Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation Ocean State Charities Trust Peter and Kay Scheidler Mary Louise Kennedy June Rockwell Levy Foundation Rhode Island State Council on the Arts Jenny and Stephen Schweich Susan and David Kertzer Leon and Barbara Goldstein Fund at the Deming and Jane Sherman Sharpe Family Foundation/Henry and Howard and Kate Kilguss Rhode Island Foundation Peggy Sharpe Robert and Mara Koppel The Felicia Fund, Inc. ZACHARIAH ALLEN CIRCLE Barbara and Tom Slaight Jane Langmuir ($1,000-$2,499) Mary C. Speare Brooke and Eugene Lee MOSES BROWN CIRCLE Anonymous Sylvia Street Fund, in memory of Ruth Ely, Arnold Ludwig and Helen Ludwig-Jones ($5,000-$9,999) Kristi and Lucien Agniel, in honor of at the Rhode Island Foundation Ann Brooke Mason Anonymous Candy Adriance Martin and Zelia Trueb Sam and Anne Miller Candy Adriance, in honor of Matt Kqantu and Andrew Bent, in honor of Variable Data Printing, Inc. David and Margot Nishimura and the staff Candy Adriance William and Gretchen Viall Richard A. Olsen Vincent J. Buonanno Alice Berresheim and Davide Dukcevich, Dr. Beverly Walters and Dr. George Buczko Peter O’Neill and Lindsay French Melanie and Stephen Coon, in honor of in honor of Allen Kurzweil David Ward and Abby Stranahan Mr. Charles H. Page the Proust Reading Group Dr. and Mrs. William Braden Ann Willaman, matching gift Textron, Inc. Jill Pearlman Patricia A. Fuller Roy and Laura Brady, in honor of Daisy and Lea Williams Mark and Catherine Gim Lindsay Shaw Ann and John Woolsey Ida Ballou Littlefield Memorial Trust Scott and Cynthia Burns Yankee Travel, Inc. Mabel T. Woolley Trust Matt Burriesci and Erin Kemper Ann Mason, in memory of Herbert Campus Fine Wines WILLIAM STRICKLAND CIRCLE Triedman Inge and Richard Chafee ($500-$999) Susan Jaffe Tane, in honor of Christina Charles and Marilyn Doebler Fund at the Anonymous (2) Bevilacqua and Kate Wodehouse Rhode Island Foundation Anonymous, in honor of Candy, Tripp, Sidney Clifford, Jr. and Matt GRACE LEONARD CIRCLE Sheila and Dick Congdon Leslie Atik and Robert Preucel ($2,500-$4,999) Jill H. Davis Bernard V. Buonanno, Jr. Julie M. Boegehold, in memory of Alan Mr. Nicholas G. Fazzano Polly and Bob Daly Boegehold Sally Godfrey Lewis and Betty Dana Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Phelan, matching gift Robert and Carla Dowben ELIZABETH B. PATTEN CIRCLE Jean M. Edwards, in memory of Amica Companies Foundation David Durand and Elli Mylonas ($100-$249) Knight Edwards Philip and Betsey C. Caldwell Foundation/ Robert C. Frederiksen Anonymous (11) Alison and Larry Eichler Desiree Caldwell and Bill Armitage Ralph Greggs and Patricia Saint Aubin Francoise and Karl Abrahamson, Melissa Eliot and Craig Versek Taylor M. Polites Anne Holland in memory of Christopher McAree Nathan B. Epstein, MD Sara Reichley Ann Holmes Mrs. Thomas R. Adams, in memory of Roy and Virginia Evans Rhode Island Historical Society Tony Horwitz and Geraldine Brooks William Viall II Virginia H. Evans Sarah and Craig Richardson, in honor Lise Iwon David Adriance Skip and Ann Faith of the extraordinary leadership of Alfred Jeffries III Charles Andrews Frank Faltus Candy Adriance Diana and Duncan Johnson Julie Andrews, in honor of Candy Adriance John and Heidi Farkash Rosanna, Inc. 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Meyers of William Viall II Carl Farmer Alex Reynolds Rebecca Hancock Jonathan Migliori Tom and Marion Thomas Grace Farmer Lynn Sanchez Edward and Susan Handy Ann Miller Adrian Moore Trask Elizabeth Fajardo Roger Seitz Howard Haronian and Alexandra Christopher Monkhouse Bill Vanech Faith Fogle Terry Selle Cummings Timothy and Rebecca More Steve Vavrik and Ellen Hayes Sally Godfrey David Shapiro-Zysk Janet Harris Benjamin Nacar Kelli L. Viera Ellen Goodlin Cynthia Shattuck Eliza Harrison Elinor Nacheman Mary Volatile Carollyn Grace Carol Tatian Daniel Harrop and Jeffrey K. Harrington Mrs. Jane S. Nelson Mike and Marcia Walsh, in honor of the Don Harper Becky Waugh Nancy I. Hart Bill and Susan Newkirk Levin Family Molly Harrington Angela Heffron Caroline Obrecht and Paul Cantor Dana L. Walton, in honor of Ansley Walton Edith Hemenway Brian Overton, in honor of the HPL Society Rebecca E. Waugh WORKSTUDY STUDENTS, RISD Vernon Henderson and Paige Newby Michael Owen Ellen Welty and Michael Middeleer Victoria Stadlin Sharon I. Hendriksen Patricia Petroccione Ellen Wetherill Mark Hinkley Joe Plante Brian Hodge Phyllis Poor Kate Holden Judith Queen Dorothy and Donald Horowitz Kelsey and Ryan Queenan Mikey Hougland Betsey Quigley Zeppi Hubbard Richard and Margaret Ratcliffe Wendy Ingram Connie and George Raymond Anne Marie Juillard Nancy Gifford Roach, in memory of Coppélia Kahn William Viall II Alice Kaltman and Daniel Wiener Wendy Roberts The illustrations in this publication are taken from English Book-Plates: Ancient and Modern by Egerton Castle, 1893. This book was purchased by the Athenæum in 1897 with the Albert Jones Fund for books illustrating the art of design as applied to decoration or industrial art. The bookplate pictured on the cover was drawn for a Mr. Gleeson White by Charles Ricketts in 1890. Mr. White explained, “The tree, whether under this particular shape of Igdrasil in Scandinavian mythology, or under that of the Tree of Knowledge in the Mosaic tradition, has always been a favourite symbol for Literature. It is therefore a felicitous choice as an emblem of knowledge, eternal, yet needing daily nourishment, and ALWAYS GROWING.” 251 BENEFIT STREET, PROVIDENCE, RI 02903 providenceathenaeum.org