The need to make two branches of the Warwick Public Library more accessible couldn’t have been more evident than when former Congressman Jim Langevin arrived at City Hall Friday morning.

The Apponaug Branch of the library is adjacent to City Hall parking. Langevin wheeled to a podium in front of the library steps as Mayor Frank Picozzi came to the podium. He remarked it was a good that the event hadn’t been held Thursday, because it would have had to be inside due to rain. Langevin, the star of the program, might not have been able to attend.

That shouldn’t be a problem in the future, thinks Langevin.

As one of his final acts after 22 years of service, Langevin secured a $920,280 Community Project Funding grant, for the Warwick Public Library. The money will be used to make the Apponaug and Norwood branches that were built in 1924 and 1925 fully ADA-compliant and eliminate all existing accessibility barriers.

“This is one of the last things he has done (as a member of Congress) for Warwick,” Picozzi said.

A presentation had been planned before Langevin left office but a last minute conflict made that impossible. It was rescheduled, but again it needed to be rescheduled.

Aaron Coutu, library director, was prepared to illustrate how important libraries are to the community and that they are accessible.

According to the 2022 US Census, he said, 11% of Warwick’s population under 65 has some form of disability.  He added that more than 20% of the city’s population is 65 years old or older and 6.5% are veterans.

“I share these figures because they highlight how important it is for us to make sure everyone can enter all of our city’s library buildings.”

“They’re more than a place to get books,” Rep. David Bennett said recalling how, as a boy, he visited the Apponaug Branch. “It’s important that they can be used by everyone.”

Seth Magaziner, who now holds the Second Congressional District seat, spoke of Congressional member Langevin in high regard. He said the level of resources the Rhode Island Congressional delegation has secured for the state is unusual and “one of the best in the country.”  He said he is working on earmarks “to bring more back to Warwick.”

Picozzi related how after he won election,  Langevin was one of the first elected officials to call and offer his assistance.

“He’s never forgotten he’s a Warwick boy,” Picozzi said.

Langevin confirmed , “I’m a Warwick boy through and through.” He said he plans to continue living in the city for the foreseeable future.

He explained how “earmark,” now called Community Funding Project, grants are intended to meet local “pressing needs” as identified by community leaders. He said Picozzi identified access to the two library branches as a concern.

Langevin said he had never been requested for this type of funding before, but it resonated with him.

“Libraries are a vital part of our community…they are the great equalizer,” he said. He observed libraries provide broadband, computers and programs in addition to being spaces for socializing.

He said he was proud to support libraries for all these years.