Greenville Public Library holds Geek of the Month contest

In conjunction with the Rhode Island Library Association and 36 libraries across the state, Greenville Public Library is launching a community-based awareness campaign called Geek the Library this September. The campaign highlights what people are passionate about and how libraries can support them—all in an effort to heighten awareness about the critical funding issues public libraries face.

Geek the Library features local educational material that introduces ‘geek’ as a verb, and encourages the public to talk about what they ‘geek’—whether it’s engineering, superheroes or art. The public awareness campaign illustrates the fact that everyone is passionate about something—everyone ‘geeks’ something—and that the library supports them all. Peter and Bobby Farrelly, Mena Suvari, Ann Hood, Walt Mossberg, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin, the Providence Dancing Cop (Tony Lepore), and the PawSox mascots have all agreed to be faces for the campaign in an effort to bring attention to the issue.

To bring further awareness to the Smithfield community, the library will hold a Geek of the Month contest starting September 8. Residents are encouraged to send in short written or photo essays detailing what they geek. The top five nominees will be chosen by library staff based on creativity and overall content, and the community can vote for the best submission. The winner will be announced September 30 and will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. Those who vote will be entered into a drawing for prizes donated by local businesses, including Carriage Lane Furniture, Simply Elegant Flowers, and Pixie’s Hair Salon and Spa.

While most people have visited their public library and understand its important role in their community, many do not know that libraries are at risk or that local funding for libraries is heavily influenced by community members. Greenville hopes to address these issues during the campaign, as well as show off its 2012 renovations by having people drop by to cast their votes during the contest.

“Greenville Public Library has made significant improvements over the past few years, including expanded eMedia options such as electronic magazines and downloadable audiobooks and music,” said Christopher LaRoux, the library’s director. “We want to offer services above and beyond the average public library, but funding plays a large role in what we can provide our community.”

This public awareness campaign hopes to start a conversation about library funding to inspire more people to take personal responsibility for keeping their local public libraries vital in their communities. Members of the community can visit www.yourlibrary.ws/Geek.html for more information about the campaign and for complete Geek of the Month contest rules. The campaign will not support or oppose any candidate for public office, nor attempt to influence legislation.

Founded in 1882, the Greenville Public Library is one of two public libraries in the Town of Smithfield. Working cooperatively with other libraries and agencies, its mission is to provide comprehensive library services to the residents of Smithfield and surrounding areas, with emphasis on providing a common meeting place, general reference, and lifelong learning.