Ann Amaral, director of Newport Public Library (contributed)

Ann Amaral, the new director of the Newport Public Library, will be the featured guest at the next Arts Around the Fire, a monthly networking event hosted by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County.

The event will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sardella’s Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd. West. It is free and open to the public, and no reservations are needed.

Amaral assumed the role of library director last July. She brings more than 20 years of experience in public librarianship and has said she is focused on advancing the library’s role as a welcoming resource where everyone in the community can connect, learn and belong.

Arts Around the Fire is a regular gathering for artists, writers, performers and audiences to discuss events affecting the cultural community and learn about new ideas and artistic endeavors. The series is organized by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Newport County, a nonprofit coalition of individuals and organizations committed to advancing arts and culture in the county.

More information about the alliance, including membership opportunities, is available at newportarts.org.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020).

He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide.

Ryan is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Online News Association, and Local Independent Online News Publishers. He is committed to the codes of ethics of these organizations: accuracy, independence, accountability, and transparency.

In Newport, Ryan served on the boards of the Fort Adams Trust and Potter League for Animals, and hosted a daily radio talk show for four years.

In 2021, Ryan moved to Alexandria, Virginia, to support his wife Jen's career. He launched The Alexandria Brief in 2025, applying what he learned in Newport to a new community. With the help of some talented on-the-ground contributors, he still runs What's Up Newp — and always will.

Contact: ryan@whatsupnewp.com.