Rhode Island readers and activists alike will have a new place to hang out when Red Ink Community Library opens its doors to the public this Saturday, September 4 with a grand opening celebration. The newly incorporated 501(c)(4) nonprofit states its mission to “democratize information and foster the development of an empowered working class.”

“After the protests and activism we saw last year, many political organizations in Providence were able to grow through virtual meetings,” says founder and local resident David Raileanu. “As we were coming out of the in-person pandemic restrictions, many of those groups were looking for a place to meet. That spurred us to develop a place like Red Ink.”

The space itself, a 500 square foot storefront located at 149 Camp St in the Mt. Hope neighborhood, is adorned with a mural painted by RISD alum Daniel Chang. The space contains a handful of bookshelves running alongside a lounge-style atmosphere of couches and armchairs. Amenities include wireless internet, a projector for film screenings and movie nights, and a live sound setup that will be in use this weekend during the grand opening.

“Our goal is to turn allies into comrades, to challenge cultural hegemony, to raise up community voices, and provide a safe space for people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations,” says co-founder Alexander Herbert. “Red Ink aims to become a nexus of radical and revolutionary thought.” The leadership also includes local epidemiological researcher Jackie Goldman, who is a candidate for Providence City Council in Ward 5.

The library’s collection, purchased from a shuttered United Electrical Workers union hall in Swampscott, Massachusetts contains close to 2,000 books, magazines, journals and pamphlets focused on the global struggle for social, political, and economic justice. Readers can find primary sources on many of the topics in the news today, from Afghanistan and Palestine to the right to abortion and the evangelical Right in America.

Upcoming events include talks by local author and Brown Fellow Daniel Denvir regarding his latest book, “All American Nativism” on September 17 and from founder Alexander Herbert on his book on Russian punk music on October 2.

Red Ink will be open from noon to 6 pm every Thursday through Sunday, and by appointment. Find more information at www.redinkri.org or by email at [email protected], and @RedInkPVD on Twitter.