Reed & Magaziner Help Peace Dale Library Write Its Next Chapter with Opening of SK Community Learning Center

WAKEFIELD, RI - After delivering over $3.5 million in federal funding for major upgrades to the Peace Dale Library, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner today joined Governor Dan McKee along with South Kingstown Town officials, project partners, and community members for a special ribbon cutting ceremony for a new community learning center housed within the library.

Located on the upper floor of one of the oldest libraries in Rhode Island, the new learning center utilized $2,893,891 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as well as a $700,000 federal earmark that Senator Reed and Congressman Seth Magaziner secured through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Economic Development Initiative.

The initial federal ARPA funds were allocated to the Peace Dale Library by Governor McKee. As the cost of the project escalated, Reed and Magaziner were able to secure additional federal funds to help take the community project to the 'next level' and ensure the underutilized top floor of the library could be renovated to offer brand new community space and resources.

The historic building now known as the Peace Dale Library first opened in 1891 and today serves as the largest and most utilized public library within the South Kingstown library system, which also includes the Kingston Free Library and the Robert Beverly Hale Library.

Blending history with modern amenities, the renovated space preserves the building's architectural character and original construction while offering tech-equipped workspaces and services. The following new spaces are now open: two new conference rooms; two new study/privacy rooms; a multipurpose use classroom/open space; two counters for individual use; a new second floor Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathroom; the Community Paramedic Office; and a new Director's Office, along with storage. There is also a new stairwell connecting the community learning center area to the parking lot lobby entrance and it is also serviced by an elevator.

The Community Paramedic Program (CPP) is a service provided by South Kingstown Emergency Services to guide patients towards general health and well-being, connect patients with appropriate healthcare services, and provide tele-health, educational or training opportunities.

"Public libraries are about so much more than books. They are places where people can go to transform their lives and this project has certainly transformed this space and added a new chapter to the library's history. Here, Rhode Islanders can unlock opportunities, discover new passions, and create new connections," said Senator Reed, the leading Congressional champion of public libraries and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, says. "This federal funding will help take patrons of the Peace Dale Library to new heights and hopefully unlock opportunities for learning, growth, and building community."

"When people have access to quality public spaces, they have more opportunities to learn, grow and connect with one another," said Rep. Magaziner. "By securing more this federal funding for the Peace Dale Library, we are creating a welcoming space that will serve Rhode Islanders of all ages for generations to come."

The community learning center renovations began on September 15, 2025 and were completed this month.

Throughout the process, the library placed a great emphasis on respecting, reusing, and restoring the historic character of the building. Parking lot improvements were also made to improve accessibility, which included preserving and moving a historic stone wall.

You do not need to be a South Kingstown resident to use the new library space. All members of the public are welcome.

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