During its regular meeting on Wednesday night, the Newport City Council recognized Joe Logue, the recently retired Director of the Newport Public Library, by announcing Thursday, August 14, 2025, as Joe Logue Day in the city.
The proclamation honoring Logue’s eight years of service as the library’s leader during what the city refers to as a period of significant change and expansion was read by Mayor Charles Holder.
Holder stated during the meeting that Joe has led the Newport Public Library through a period of significant change and expansion as its director for the past eight years with unshakable commitment and vision.
After working in a variety of other industries for thirty years, Logue’s path to librarianship is highlighted in the proclamation. Before joining Newport Public Library, he worked for 12 years in the Cambridge, Massachusetts library system and obtained his degree in Library Studies.
Under Logue’s direction, the library developed into what the proclamation refers to as a vibrant and welcoming community center that serves as a computer lab, mobile outreach vehicle, social service support center, and lending center for everything from sporting goods to cookware in addition to being a place for reading and research.
The honor also recognizes Logue’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he made sure Newport was one of the first libraries in the state to securely reopen and provide curbside services. He also held the position of President of the Ocean State Libraries’ Executive Board at this time.
According to the proclamation, Joe Logue led the library through the COVID-19 pandemic’s unique hurdles throughout his time, making Newport one of the first in the state to safely restart operations and provide curbside services.
The report acknowledges Logue’s cooperation with the Friends of the Library and the Board of Trustees in finishing necessary capital projects, such as a new HVAC system and roof. Under his direction, the Institute of Museum and Library Services nominated the library for the National Medal.
The proclamation also acknowledges Logue as an ardent supporter of librarianship ethics, promoting freedom of choice, equitable access to information, and the essential function of libraries in a democracy.
Logue thanked the staff and council members in attendance.
“You are aware of my shyness,” Logue remarked, seemingly amused. I sincerely appreciate Carolyn in absentia and the other council members for promoting this. I’d like to thank everyone. As the city council liaisons, it has been a pleasure to work with you, and it has simply been an amazing experience.
He acknowledged a number of team members who attended the meeting and underlined the importance of his employees to his achievement.
We are all aware that a person’s success is greatly influenced by their personnel. I would like to mention that there are some employees present. Logue acknowledged Christy, who attended the ceremony on behalf of the board of trustees, and Sean and Alexandra.
Throughout his tenure, Logue expressed gratitude to the board of trustees for their unwavering support.
According to him, Christy is speaking on behalf of the board of trustees, who have always supported and stood behind me.
The words of the proclamation and the naming of the unique day were especially appreciated by the retired director.
I simply adore all of these things. After my birthday, August 14th will be my second favorite day of the year, Logue declared. However, thank you so much. This is really, really significant. Thank you.
The proclamation urges all citizens to participate in honoring and commemorating the life and accomplishments of Joe Logue, a devoted public servant, knowledge advocate, and community champion.
On July 14, Logue’s eight-year career as director of Newport Public Library came to an end. After working in a variety of other industries in the past, his career in Newport is the realization of a lifelong dream: to work in library services.
As a sign of the community’s gratitude for Logue’s contributions to the city’s library system, the ceremony ended with a standing ovation from the council members and everyone in attendance.
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