Treasure Chests at Newport Library Party Symbolize Inestimable Value

A treasure chest of knowledge and information

symbolizes the Newport Library

Small chests filled with gold coins, indicating a pirate’s treasure, decorated the Newport Public Library’s recent festive fundraiser to celebrate the city’s own “Miracle on Spring Street.”

Honorary Chairs Joseph and Lesley Pratt greeted guests, and the committee members had collected and were displaying alluring silent auction items. Spectacular hors d’oeuvres and cheeses were served in the packed stacks of library shelves, while musician Dave Manuel played and sang in the background beneath a large screen.

Dr. Charles Schoemaker & RI Senate President

Teresa Paiva Weed

Willliam J. Corcoran, President of the Board of Trustees, gave a short speech about the Library’s importance, as Director Regina Slezak listened appreciatively, and praised all partygoers and supporters for their “vision for the future.” Mr. Pratt thanked Don Barisco, one of the original founders of the Library, and his wife Suzanne was there to accept a book and the accolade.

As the silent auction closed and the live auction began, a Richard Grosvenor painting was sold to Dave Reed for $500., and a painting by Eveline Roberge for $700 , a dinner for 6 by Pranzi catering, and Boston Celtic tickets with parking and seats in the owner’s box were auctioned off. The Celtics tickets brought the highest bid of the evening. Chris Porter, Ken Scigulinsky, and Harry Winthrop were among the high bidders.

Eric William & Trudy Coxe, CEO of the

Preservation Society of Newport County

The Newport Public Library is a cultural treasure, keeping up with new means of transmitting information, with DVD's, CD’s, books on tape, and a lively public computer room, as well as its collection thousand of books in print and periodicals. Its programs include film showings of recent movies (Leonardo di Caprio, anyone?) on Thursday afternoons, a summer reading program, and lectures. For a full schedule of Library events, go to www,NewportLibraryri.org.