Conservator Society

Leadership giving of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund is recognized with membership in the Conservator Society of Providence Public Library.

The Conservator Society of Providence Public Library honors some of the Library’s most loyal supporters. Their generous annual contributions sustain the institution as a vital resource for learning, enrichment and achievement – always free and open to all.

Conservator Society members receive distinctive privileges and benefits in appreciation for their support, including invitations throughout the year to special events and programs designed to spark their curiosity and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.

If you are interested in learning more about membership in the Conservator Society, please reach out to Alex Rempis at arempis@provlib.org or 401-455-8026.

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PPL Conservators

Upcoming Program

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Meet Me at the Biltmore Reading and Q & A with author Amanda Quay Blount

We're looking forward to this program with Amanda Quay Blount, author of Meet Me at the Biltmore: 100 Years at Providence’s Most Storied Hotel. The story of the Biltmore is a sensational drama of scandal, secrets, and high society. With characters ranging from crooked politicians and mobsters, to bootleggers and Hollywood stars, the Biltmore has provided the backdrop for some of the highest highs and lowest lows of Providence in the last century.

Blount researched Meet Me At The Biltmore over the course of two years and with the help of dozens of people who are interested in the historic and social relevance of the hotel. She compiled thousands of primary source articles and interviews to write this book, including archives from the hotel itself. It is the only comprehensive history of the Providence Biltmore ever written.

Recent Programs

Thursday, February 9

Our virtual crêpe-making cook-a-long with culinary luminaries Claudine Pépin and Rollie Wesen was delightful and fun, as advertised! In addition to delicious crêpes and pink bubbly, courtesy of our friend Eric Taylor of Bottles Fine Wine — who even described for us the technique for opening champagne with a saber — we heard from Claudine and Rollie about some of their favorite Providence restaurants and stories about the famous Jacques Pépin!

Claudine is a cookbook author, president of the Jacques Pépin Foundation, former Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon brand ambassador, and TV personality and producer. Rollie is a professor at Johnson & Wales who teaches courses on local food systems and “conscious cuisine,” former chef at Michelin-starred London and Paris restaurants, and executive director of the Jacques Pépin Foundation.

Tuesday, October 25

The Paramount Classics documentary, Mad Hot Ballroom, captured the minds and hearts of moviegoers the world over. And this fall, PPL Conservators and friends were treated to a discussion and abbreviated film screening with fellow Conservator Rodney Eric López, former teaching artist and executive director of Dancing Classrooms. Rodney not only shared his experiences from Mad Hot Ballroom, but led us in a joyful dance lesson not soon to be forgotten! We also enjoyed delicious dance-friendly Southern food with a Latin twist from Kin Southern Table and drinks from Conservator Eric Taylor of Bottles Fine Wines!

Wednesday, August 24

A summer gathering at the spectacular Bristol waterfront home of Conservators Jackie Savoie and Dennis McCool included a presentation by and conversation with Dr. Caroline Ummenhofer, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Dr. Timothy Walker, UMass Dartmouth, on the Nicholson Whaling Collection and its connection to their cutting-edge climate change research. Guests enjoyed lobster rolls provided by the Blount's Clam Shack food truck and fabulous made-to-order pizzas from a large, wood-fired pizza-oven food truck. Conservator Eric Taylor from Bottles served wine, soft drinks, and delicious Bee's Knees cocktails using honey from Jackie's own hives!

Thursday, April 7

Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi)! We celebrated Pi(e) Day Conservator-style with Gina Herlihy, owner of PVD Pies with a virtual pie-baking demo (cherry chocolate almond, anyone?!) with a delicious beverage pairing provided by our friends and fellow Conservators at Bottles Fine Wine. And yes, you are encouraged to “bake-along!”

Tuesday, February 8

We are pleased to share the link to our recent Conservator Society event called State of the Pandemic – In Conversation with Dr. Ashish Jha, Covid-19 and the Role of Libraries in Public Health on Tuesday, February 8, from 5:30-7:15 pm. Dr. Jha gave an update on the trajectory of the pandemic and how best to stay safe. Brown University Librarian Dr. Joseph Meisel and PPL Executive Director Jack Martin joined Dr. Jha in conversation followed by a moderated Q&A session.

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Tuesday, November 2

We are pleased to share the link to our recent Conservator Society event, called The State of the Pandemic in Rhode Island with Drs. Philip Chan and James McDonald on Tuesday, November 2, from 5:45-7:00 pm. Drs. McDonald and Chan are medical directors at RIDOH, professors at Brown, and leaders in the state's fight against COVID. The doctors each presented briefly and then responded to questions submitted in advance by the audience.

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