Community Corner

Storm Damages Library Window, Toilet

Fresh off the signing a new 4-year contract, Cranston's library director is spending Saturday taking care of repairs at the Knightsville Branch.

Repairs are in order for a bathroom at the Knightsville Branch of the Cranston Public Library thanks to the winter weather.

Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library system, said a window in a bathroom blew out late in the afternoon on Friday, causing damage to a toilet and wall tiles.

The window itself was smashed.

The toilet was heavily damaged, Garcia said, and will need to be replaced.

In an unrelated note, Garcia just signed a new four-year contract, ensuring he'll be at the helm of the state's busiest library system until 2018.

Garcia was appointed director in 2012 after serving as the library's technical coordinator.

Garcia joined the Cranston Library in 2006 as an intern. He served as Assistant Director of the Central Falls Free Public Library for a brief time before returning to Cranston to be its Information Access Librarian in 2008. He was appointed Technology Coordinator in 2011.

Garcia is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he got his bachelor's and master's degrees.

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The American Library Association named him an "Emerging Leader" and "2010 Library Journal Mover and Shaker" recently.

Garcia has been a Cranston resident since 2001.

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When he was appointed, the chairwoman for the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees said Garcia's adept technology skills has propelled the library forward.

"We are extremely pleased that Mr. Edward Garcia has accepted the position of  Director. In addition to Mr. Garcia's wealth of public library and related managerial experience, Mr. Garcia brings an unparalleled enthusiasm for and knowledge of current technologies which are necessary to keep the Library relevant for all age groups and for years to come," said Nancy Davis, chairwoman of the board. "The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Garcia and stands ready to support his success as Library Director."


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