Patricia Raub

A Founder of CLPVD Who Fought to Save the Neighborhood Libraries of Providence

In Memory & Honor of Patricia Raub

The Board of Directors and staff of Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD) are saddened to learn of the passing of Patricia Raub on Wednesday, October 29, following a period of illness. Raub is one of four “Founders” who helped create CLPVD in the mid-2000s, spearheading a public campaign that saved several neighborhood “branch” libraries, marked for closure. The campaign led directly to the creation of CLPVD as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which took over the management of the nine neighborhood branches from Providence Public Library(PPL). Today, CLPVD is the largest library system in Rhode Island.

Linda Kushner, another Founder, recalls her first meeting with Patricia in 2004. “We met in front of PPL, in protest against the layoffs and branch closings being planned. Wielding a borrowed megaphone, Patricia’s speech was electric. After that day, Patricia and I were joined at the hip.” Kushner and Raub formed a Library Reform Group and were later joined by Ellen Schwartz and Marcus Mitchell. With support from then Mayor Cicilline and the City of Providence, Providence Community Library was launched on July 1, 2009, and renamed as CLPVD in 2022.

Raub maintained her close ties with CLPVD to the end of her life, having served as President of the Board (2018-2021) and on several sub-committees. At the time of her passing, she was the Providence City Council’s appointee for her second term. Raub was also a devoted and active supporter of the Friends of Wanskuck Library.

Former CLPVD Board Member, Deborah del Gais, commented, “Patricia worked tirelessly to establish and maintain what today is a vibrant and innovative library system. We owe her our deepest gratitude for her significant efforts to improve the community’s well-being through her support for the library and her advocacy for other community organizations.” Besides libraries, Raub campaigned passionately on many wider international and national concerns as well as issues relating to history and preservation, and particularly for the provision of adequate public transit in Providence.

By profession, Raub pursued an academic career, teaching American Studies at UMass, Boston, and Providence College, where she also taught the history of Rhode Island and Providence architectural history. She published Yesterday’s Stories: Popular Women’s Novels of the Twenties and Thirties and numerous scholarly articles on a wide range of subjects, including ones on Rhode Island tourism, triple-decker housing, and the history of libraries in Providence for Rhode Island History. At the time of her illness, she was working on a book about the development of libraries in Providence up to the present. She earned her Ph.D from Bowling Green University.

Library Director Cheryl Space remembers Patricia’s mentorship during her first years as library director. “Patricia made time for regular meetings and consultation, usually over treats at LaSalle Bakery. Patricia’s curiosity, questions, and careful attention to detail made sure that the work of the Board was accomplished with care and diligence. Patricia was not only a founder of the Community Libraries, she was a passionate guardian and advocate; her love of the library fuels my daily work.”

CLPVD Board President Jordan Day said, “We remember Patricia for her kindness and unwavering dedication to the community. She consistently demonstrated support and enthusiasm for our work. Our deepest condolences go to Patricia’s husband, Rob, her sister Susan, and her family in the United States and Great Britain. Patricia’s legacy will live on through the libraries and community she so passionately served.” The funeral will be private. CLPVD will announce plans for a memorial event at a later time so that all who loved Patricia can celebrate her life and legacy.