{"id":16463,"date":"2025-05-15T15:43:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:43:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/?p=16463"},"modified":"2025-06-12T21:26:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T21:26:56","slug":"library-as-a-third-space-commencement-forum-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/library-as-a-third-space-commencement-forum-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Library as a Third Space | Commencement Forum 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Library as a Third Space: A Collaboration with Providence High School Librarians and Brown University<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> Saturday, May 24, 2025<br><strong>Time:<\/strong> 2:30 p.m.<br><strong>Location:<\/strong> Willis Reading Room, John Hay Library, <a href=\"https:\/\/experience.arcgis.com\/experience\/a23bcdf3e96d4cc89da8ef875d1218a5#data_s=id%3AdataSource_3-195906c1df1-layer-24%3A65\">20 Prospect St., Providence<\/a><br><strong>Zoom link to attend online:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/library-forum\">https:\/\/bit.ly\/library-forum<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Video of the Forum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Library as a Third Space Commencement Forum\" width=\"1778\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fez3bryT_8g?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following Brown&#8217;s 2006 <a href=\"https:\/\/slaveryandjustice.brown.edu\/report\">Slavery and Justice Report<\/a>, initiated by President Ruth J. Simmons, the University committed ten million dollars to establish The Fund for the Education of Children of Providence endowment. According to President Simmons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>One of the clearest messages in the <em>Slavery and Justice Report<\/em> is that institutions of higher education must take a greater interest in the health of their local communities, especially Kindergarten through 12th-grade education. Lack of access to a good education, particularly for urban schoolchildren, is one of the most pervasive and pernicious social problems of our time. Colleges and universities are uniquely able to improve the quality of urban schools. Brown is committed to undertaking that work.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Library Grant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022, the Fund approved a three-year grant to the Brown University Library to partner with Providence Public School District high school librarians to enhance the spaces, collections, and programmatic offerings at all of the Providence public high school libraries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Commencement Forum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Join us for a Commencement forum to learn about the project&#8217;s origins, programming, and future on <strong>Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. in the Willis Reading Room of the John Hay Library<\/strong>. The panel discussion will feature three of the Providence Public School librarians involved in the project: Alyson Catalan, English Department Teacher Leader at Classical High School; Lenwood Thompson III, Director of Advanced Academics for Providence Public Schools; and Kimberly Yeaw, Library Media Specialist at Providence Career and Technical Academy. Their discussion will be moderated by Kelly Clifton, Head of Library Community Engagement at the Brown University Library and coordinator of the grant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Free and open to the public. In person and on Zoom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/events.brown.edu\/library\/event\/311336-library-as-a-third-space-commencement-forum\">register to attend<\/a> on Zoom. (Scroll to the bottom of the calendar entry to register.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Participants<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"184\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Alyson-Catalan-184x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16477\" style=\"width:167px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Alyson-Catalan-184x300.jpeg 184w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Alyson-Catalan-627x1024.jpeg 627w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Alyson-Catalan.jpeg 1271w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 184px) 100vw, 184px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Alyson Catalan<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Alyson Catalan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alyson has been a dedicated educator in the Providence Public School District since beginning her teaching career with Teach For America in 2014. Currently serving as the English Department Teacher Leader at Classical High School, Alyson holds two Master&#8217;s Degrees in Special Education and English Language Learning. She is deeply passionate about meeting each student&#8217;s needs and empowering them to reach their fullest potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lenwood Thompson III<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kenwood-Thompson-III.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16478\" style=\"width:187px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kenwood-Thompson-III.jpg 288w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kenwood-Thompson-III-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Lenwood Thompson III<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Lenwood Thompson III, the Director of Advanced Academics for the Providence Public School District, brings 17 years of experience in education to his leadership role. A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Mr. Thompson is the proud son of an educator and deeply believes that teaching \u2014 whether in the classroom or the library \u2014 is one of the most noble professions. His teaching journey has spanned Kindergarten through eighth grade, and he has also served as both an elementary and middle school administrator. This rich experience informs his commitment to supporting high-quality instruction and equitable access to academic opportunities for all students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his current role, Mr. Thompson oversees a range of advanced academic courses and initiatives and serves as the district administrator for all school libraries. He provides professional development, programming support, and critical resources to the dedicated librarians of Providence Public Schools. Under his leadership, the district has expanded literacy-focused initiatives, including the introduction of the Battle of the Books \u2014 an engaging quiz bowl competition designed to promote reading, collaboration, and creative thinking among students. Mr. Thompson\u2019s vision and advocacy continue to shape a strong academic culture centered around literacy and excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kimberly Yeaw<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"227\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kim-Yeaw-227x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16480\" style=\"width:197px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kim-Yeaw-227x300.jpeg 227w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Kim-Yeaw-776x1024.jpeg 776w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kimberly Yeaw<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Kim has been an educator for 30 years, a Secondary Mathematics teacher for 14 years, and a School Library Media Specialist at Providence Career and Technical Academy for the last 16 years. As a librarian, Kim is trained as an instructional coach to work with teachers to improve their practice and take on leadership roles as the Technology Support Teacher and the Electives Department Lead. Kim\u2019s highest achievement has been earning the School Librarian of the Year for the State of Rhode Island in the 2023 &#8211; 2024 school year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kim believes the library is the heart of the school, where students can find a comfortable, safe environment to learn, explore, discover, collaborate, and cultivate relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Kelly Clifton&nbsp;<\/strong>&#8211; Moderator<\/h4>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Clifton_Kelly-300x300.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16481\" style=\"width:200px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Clifton_Kelly-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Clifton_Kelly-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2025\/05\/Clifton_Kelly.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Kelly Clifton<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Kelly Clifton is the Head of Library Community Engagement at Brown University Library.<strong> <\/strong>She is an avid reader, an advocate for access, and a lifelong library patron. She is introducing her two young children to the joy of libraries by exploring libraries in every city they visit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Library\u2019s community engagement programming strives to build connections and cultivate partnerships with colleagues in K-12 schools, public libraries, archives, and Rhode Island-based literacy-adjacent community organizations, supporting their work with students and local communities. Kelly oversees this work and manages relationships with partners.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Library as a Third Space: A Collaboration with Providence High School Librarians and Brown University Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025Time: 2:30 p.m.Location: Willis Reading Room, John Hay Library, 20 Prospect St., ProvidenceZoom link to attend online: https:\/\/bit.ly\/library-forum Video of the Forum The Fund for the Education of the Children of Providence Following Brown&#8217;s 2006 Slavery <a href=\"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/library-as-a-third-space-commencement-forum-2025\/\" class=\"more-link\">&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Library as a Third Space | Commencement Forum 2025<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":107,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[151,5,155],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16463","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-community-engagement","category-exhibits-events","category-home-page"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16463","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/107"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16463"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16463\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16521,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16463\/revisions\/16521"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16463"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16463"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.brown.edu\/create\/libnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16463"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}