The Cranston Public Library brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and strengthen the community.

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Poetry Aloud Workshop with Poet Diana Cole @ William Hall

Wednesday, May 1 | 6:00 - 7:45 PM

Discover ways to be authentic and engaging in front of an audience and enhance the music and power of your poetry! Limited to 8 participants over 18.

How often is there a chance to practice reading with a supportive group of poets? We will discuss poem choices, introduction, and connection to the audience. Each participant will receive individual feedback on articulation, projection, tone, gesture, and expression.

Bring two of your own poems to the session.

There will be a Poetry Aloud Showcase and Open Mic on Wednesday, May 8th, at 6:30 PM. This showcase will include other poets and you may invite your family and friends.

Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Learn About Native Plants with Master Gardener Alan Newton @ William Hall

Saturday, May 4 | 2:30 PM

Alan Newton, URI Master Gardener Class of 2020, will share a presentation on “Why Native Plants: One Thing That Will Truly Make A Difference.” The presentation will discuss why native plants are so important, what is happening to native habitats, and what we can do to preserve and repair the damage caused by human activity over the centuries.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

The Final Voyage of the Larchmont @ Central

Wednesday, May 8| 6:30 PM

Come learn about the most terrifying shipwreck in Rhode Island history. Experience the unspeakable horror of the 1907 sinking and witness the unrivaled heroism with Daniel Harrington as he brings you eyewitness accounts, never-before-seen photographs, and a story that will leave you in tears.

Daniel Harrington is a Director of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame and a monthly columnist for the Providence Journal.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Echoes: Two/In Verse Poetry Reading @ Central

Saturday, May 11 | 2:00 PM

Vivian Eyre and Bill Carpenter's poetry reading will explore shared themes of love, mystery, memory, and loss across human families and among vanishing creatures in the marine world.

Vivian's poetry collection, Ishmael’s Violets will be on sale. A percent of the book's proceeds will be donated to The Center for Coastal Studies Whale Entanglements Project.

Bill Carpenter's collection of poems is titled Imperfect Mirrors/Indelible Myths. Copies of his book will be on sale as well.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Spring Concert Series with Jazz Pianist Joe Godfrey @ William Hall

Saturday, May 11 | 2:30 PM

Join us for the third program in our Spring Concert Series with jazz pianist Joe Godfrey. Joe will play a unique blend of jazz standards, well-known classical pieces, and music from the last 50 years with a jazzy twist!

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Adult Craft: Learn Macrame @ Central

Wednesday, May 15 | 6:00 PM

Learn the basics of macrame by creating a beginner macrame wall hanging. We will also discuss other beginner projects, materials, and resources to further your macrame journey.

All materials are provided. Free and open to the public. Registration is required. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Walking for Your Health @ William Hall

Wednesday, May 15 | 6:30 PM

Join renowned physician and author Michael Fine, M.D., and noted hiking enthusiast and journalist John Kostrzewa for a look at what makes walking so much fun and so good for our bodies. Find out the best trails for differing abilities, how to stay safe, and why walking has such a positive impact on cardiovascular, bone, and mental health.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Collage Meetup @ William Hall

Saturday, May 18 | 2:00 PM

Bring your collage projects to the William Hall Library and get to work! This is not a class. Participants will work on their own projects and must bring their own supplies. There will be a limited amount of glue sticks and old magazines available and plenty of space to spread out. If you have extra source material or supplies to share, please bring them along. Come join other artists and have fun!

We will stop working at 3:15 to allow some time for show and tell.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

New Bedford Whaling Museum's Collections Talk @ Central

Wednesday, May 22 | 6:30 PM

Join us as we welcome Penny Aymie, a docent at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, who will deliver a wide-ranging presentation and discussion of what the museum offers its visitors.  Learn the museum's origins; how it connects in the present day with our public; and how it looks to the future. Penny will share some of her favorite pieces in the museum – some of which you might fail to find on your own. Behind every piece in a museum’s collection is a story. Come and hear their stories!

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

Save a Life: Organ Donor Program @ Central

Wednesday, May 29 | 6:30 PM

Join Dr. Basma O. Merhi, MD, Brown Medicine Division of Kidney Disease and Hypertension; Division of Organ Transplantation, Rhode Island Hospital along with a panel of donors and recipients to learn about the Organ Transplantation program.  There will be a brief video presentation by Marian Charlton, SRN, Clinical Manager of Living, Donor, and Paired Donation Programs at Hackensack University Medical Center. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

Free and open to the public. Registration is not required, but you will receive email reminders about the event by registering. Visit events.cranstonlibrary.org or contact the library for assistance.

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Central Library

140 Sockanosset Cross Rd

Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

401-943-9080

Auburn Branch

396 Pontiac Ave

Cranston, Rhode Island 02910

401-781-6116

Edward Costa Memorial Arlington Branch

1064 Cranston St

Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

401-944-1662

Knightsville Branch

1847 Cranston St

Cranston, Rhode Island 02920

401-942-2504

Oak Lawn Branch

230 Wilbur Ave

Cranston, Rhode Island 02921

401-942-1787

William Hall Library

1825 Broad St

Cranston, Rhode Island 02905

401-781-2450