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In the heart of Coventry, Rhode Island, a remarkable story of a community’s dedication to knowledge and literacy has unfolded over nearly 150 years. The Anthony Lyceum Library Association Fund stands as a testament to this enduring commitment through its perpetual support of the Coventry Public Library Foundation.  

James Hopkins, whose connection to the library began as a young boy, reflects on his early memories: "My mom and dad took us to the Anthony Library as small children. My dad became involved with the library and eventually came on board as President."  

A native Rhode Islander descended from Stephen Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Jim grew up in Washington Village near the historic Anthony Mill, built in 1873 by the Coventry Company for textile manufacturing. Now a retired operations executive, Jim also followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming President and then Treasurer of the Anthony Lyceum Library Association.  

Several years ago, the Association came under the leadership of Jim's late sister-in-law, Andrea Hopkins. As president, she worked tirelessly to gather the organization’s assets to create this new endowment, despite becoming severely ill. Reflects Jim, "Andrea was the one who led the next steps to move the funds. Inspired by her leadership, we created something that keeps Anthony's name alive."

The Association’s story begins in 1874, when the Coventry Company established the Anthony Lyceum Library Association for the education of its employees. Like many mill owners of the era, Richard and William Anthony created a mill village, including stores and housing, that allowed workers and their families to function and thrive. In 1902, the Coventry Company donated the land for the construction of a permanent library, completed in 1903, and ownership of the building was transferred to the Association.

Through the decades, the library evolved. By 1972, Coventry had established a townwide library system. Ultimately, in 1979, a new Library-Town Hall complex opened, and the Lyceum building was sold, although the Association continued its work of supporting Coventry’s libraries.

In 2022, after many years of providing funding for computers, subscriptions, and other resources, the group was faced with a pivotal decision. "All the board members are getting older," Jim explains. "We had a conversation, and it became apparent...are we going to perpetuate the Anthony Lyceum Library Association or do something else?"

The answer came clearly: "We picked up the phone and called the Rhode Island Foundation. We've known about the Foundation forever, and there was no question in my mind that this was the way to go."