The Newport City Council honored Joe Logue, the recently retired Director of the Newport Public Library, with a proclamation during its regular meeting Wednesday night, declaring Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 as “Joe Logue Day” in the city.
Mayor Charles Holder read the proclamation recognizing Logue’s eight years of service leading the library through what the city describes as “a time of great transformation and growth.”
“Joe has served as the Director of the Newport Public Library with unwavering dedication and vision for the past eight years, leading the institution through a time of great transformation and growth,” Holder said during the meeting.
The proclamation highlights Logue’s journey to librarianship after three decades in various other fields. He earned his degree in Library Studies and served the Cambridge, Massachusetts library system for 12 years before joining Newport Public Library.
Under Logue’s leadership, the library evolved into what the proclamation describes as “a dynamic and inclusive community hub functioning not only as a center for reading and research, but also as a computer lab, mobile outreach vehicle, social service support point, lending center for everything from cookware to sporting goods.”
The recognition specifically acknowledges Logue’s guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he ensured Newport was among the first libraries in the state to offer curbside services and safely resume operations. During this period, he also served as President of the Executive Board of the Ocean State Libraries.
“During his tenure, Joe Logue guided the library through unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring Newport was among the first in the state to offer curbside services and safely resume operations,” the proclamation states.
The document credits Logue’s collaboration with the Board of Trustees and the Friends of the Library for completing essential capital projects, including a new roof and HVAC system. Under his leadership, the library received a nomination for the National Medal by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The proclamation also recognizes Logue as “a passionate defender of the ethics of librarianship, advocating for equal access to information, freedom of choice and the vital role of libraries in a democratic society.”
Logue expressed his gratitude to the council and staff members present.
“You know how shy I am,” Logue said with apparent humor. “Thank you very much, members of the council, Carolyn in absentia for promulgating this. I want to thank all of you. It’s been lovely working with you as the city council liaisons, and it’s just, it’s been a wonderful experience.”
He emphasized the role of his staff in his success, acknowledging several team members who attended the meeting.
“Obviously, we all know the staff has so much to do with anyone’s success. So I want to say there are a few staff members here. Sean and Alexandra,” Logue said, also recognizing Christy, who represented the board of trustees at the ceremony.
Logue praised the board of trustees for their consistent support throughout his tenure.
“Christy is representing the board of trustees, who have always had my back and have always given me great support,” he said.
The retired director expressed particular appreciation for the proclamation’s language and the designation of the special day.
“I just love all these whereas. I’ll call August 14th my second favorite day of the year after my birthday,” Logue said. “But thank you very, very much. This is deeply, deeply meaningful. Thank you.”
The proclamation calls upon all citizens to join in “recognizing and celebrating the life work and contributions of Joe Logue, a true public servant, an advocate for knowledge, and a champion of this community.”
Logue’s last day with Newport Public Library was July 14, marking the end of his eight-year tenure as director. His career in Newport represents the culmination of a long-held dream to work in library services, following his earlier work in various other fields.
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation from council members and all attendees, demonstrating the community’s appreciation for Logue’s contributions to the city’s library system.
