I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year. This…read morelibrary was the fifth one I visited. The first thing I noticed that made this library unique was the park in the backyard of the library. It's huge and beautiful, especially in the summer when the plants and trees bloom (I imagine), and there are statues and fountains. I walked around the park before heading inside to check out the library. There are so many nooks and crannies in this library, it's like everywhere you turn there's a cozy spot to do homework or read a good book. There was a book club in session while we were there. They also had a maritime museum, where they had artwork on sale and it was pretty cool. One other thing that caught my attention was these plants they had growing in little glass tubes in their plant library section. Downstairs by the entrance they also have a healthy variety of plants that look well taken care of. I really enjoyed my time here.

A grand old…read more library Westerly Public Library was opened way back in 1894 to commemorate the volunteers that fought in the civil war. It was built on land donated by Stephen Wilcox and originally held about 5,000 books. Actually a pretty large number for the time. Since then it has changed and grew and doubled in size with the additions in 1992. It now has 170,000 items including audio books, cd's and of course computers. However, even with all the modern additions and conveniences, it has never lost the cool, old feel and ambiance. The outside of the library is impressive. Like some grand old Victorian home or mansion. I have heard that when the library first opened it held a bowling alley and gymnasium. They are now long gone but it's easy to see how they could have fit because this library is huge, with all kinds of spaces, hallways and cool little study and meeting rooms. The library is a very efficient place to work and the librarians are helpful and friendly. However the real charm of the library is the building itself. Such a cool place just to walk around and look at the architecture and cool decor. Lots of places to sit by yourself and read of just look out a window. If you get tired of being inside you can stroll around the grounds or sit outside on a bench and admire the grand old building from the outside. There are lots of libraries in the world. Most are friendly and efficient places to work or get information. However few I have seen have the impressive grandeur and sense of history of the Westerly Public Library. It would be a very cool place even without the books and computers.

The Wheeler Library is gorgeous and was once the town's public school, but before that, it was a…read moreprivate school. The upstairs was used as dormitory space, and the restoration retained much of the beautiful woodwork. Meanwhile, the downstairs is inviting and the renovation is more recent but attention has been paid to making it quite attractive after it having served as an office space for many years. Be sure to catch the many busts of famous people on the second floor and also the monthly artist's exhibits.

Lions schools and…read morebusts The Wheeler Library was open in 1900 from money donated by the Wheeler family. Constructed with huge blocks of granite it had a duel purpose. The upstairs served as a lovely library while the bottom floor was an elementary school house. The arraignment lasted for almost 50 years until the town decided to get rid of the 15 little one room school houses and consolidated them into one large regionial school. So the school left and the library expanded into the entire building. Most of the library is now on the first floor and the higher level is a grand room with absolutely stunning widows. cool old photos and lots of busts of old dead guys. The library is lovely in an odd sort of way. Very square and symmetrical, the huge granite blocks look like that will last forever. Not as elaborate as many other libraries but it definitely looks solid and two cool lion statues guard the entrance. The inside is a different story. The first floor has the books and usual library stuff along with a very pleasant librarian but a trip upstairs is what really amazes. A huge open hall with stunning windows and ceiling and cool stuff whenever you look. A few old books are up there but it's most open space. I suspect they use the area for lectures and concerts. The library had some major renovation in 1992 and is a useful and practical facility. But it's the buildings uniqueness that makes it so cool. There are no other library that look quite like this one.

Friendly staff and cozy environment! Great place with many activities available. There is something…read morehere for people of any age and staff are always happy to help.

My boyfriend and I are avid readers who are on a mission to visit every library in Rhode Island -…read moreand since I am a Yelper, I feel compelled to write a review for each and every one! Cross Mills Public Library is smaller than some of its sister libraries on the Ocean State Libraries network, but don't be fooled by the pastoral setting and diminutive size - this is actually the library with the nicest staff I've been to thus far on my journeys, and they also have lots of books I hadn't been able to find at my local library branch in Newport! The library is located in picturesque Charlestown, RI, right next to an old schoolhouse and a church that looks like it's from the 1800s. The library itself is very quaint, with many windows to let in lots of natural light, and plenty of seating to catch the rays on a sunny afternoon. We curled up with stacks of books today and wiled away the day reading. It was pretty perfect! In addition to the books, they also offer a robust selection of community programming and classes for all ages, including a cooking club, free concerts, and a Minecraft after school club for kids (we heard the squeals of excitement coming from the computer lab on the lower level - bless Tyler, the awesome librarian we met, for keeping the kids occupied and entertained as leader of the group!). We look forward to coming back for some of the concerts during the summer! They also have a great book sale every summer, so keep an eye out if you live in the area and want to get some new reading material for cheap! I really enjoyed our visit to Cross Mills, and look forward to coming back soon!

I have been a member of this library for 66 years, and it has grown with the public it serves into…read morean amazing local treasure. The librarian and all of the personnel bend over backward to provide the very best customer service possible, and the selections are always fresh and exciting. In addition, the special programming is fun for adults and kids alike.

A beautiful building in…read more a beautiful borough The Stonington Free Library is located in a lovely building that was built way back in 1900. This was in the time before most towns were broke and when they still had money to spend on making libraries more than just warehouses to store books. The building would be a cool place to visit even if it didn't have any books at all. The site selected was where the famous Wadawanuck Hotel stood a few years before. This was when Stonington was still a hopping transportation center with a multitude of steam ships and trains stopping here between Boston and New York. Before things changed and Stonington became a the quiet little borough it presently is. The library is relatively small by the standards of larger towns but has been expanded several times over the decades but still managed to keep it's charm and unique character. It was built to be more than just a place to store books and that idea has never changed throughout the years. Sure the library has books, a whole bunch of books. plus the usual periodicals, computers, videos, Cd's and other mundane library stuff. The library also has a nice children's department and has various lectures, events and demonstrations. Of course the friendly and smiling small town librarians are present to assist and eager to help with any question or difficulty. But the magic of this library isn't in the books but the wonderful building located in a wonderful and historical town literally surrounded by water. A great place to read, do research or just walk around, look, smell the ocean, and wonder what this town was like a hundred years ago when the library was built.

Such a great library. Everyone is helpful, its cozy and quiet. Its also beautiful. So lucky to live…read morenear this place. They also have two cats.

A magnificent library…read more The idea fom this stunning building started back in 1891 when Captain Elihu Spicer decided that his home town needed a library. So he donated money and ideas and by 1894 the Mystic and Noank Library was open for business. The good Captain Spicer started out as a cabin boy at an early age and eventually became masters of several ships and acquired quite a fortune. He became a philanthropist in his later years and spread his wealth around generously. The library that was built is absolutely magnificent. Granite was moved by barge from quarries in Ct., sandstone from Ma., marble from as far away as Africa and tile floors from Italy. This is more of a palace than a library and the building is worth seeing even if you have no interest in books. The place is stunning both inside and outside. The building was expanded in 1951 and another 6,000 ft were added in 1992. The architects did a fantastic job and the venerable building retains its stately, archaic and majestic flavor but has all the conveniences and amenities of a modern library. Truly the best of the old and the new. A grand place to savor, enjoy and be amazed at, libraries like this will never be constructed again.

Being the nerd that I am, I came here the day after my birthday. Since last year, I've been…read morechallenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island. This was the 11th one I visited. My friend and I came on a Saturday morning. I don't think they have a parking lot, but we found street parking right by the entrance. It reminded me more of an admin building when I walked in. To the left is a book sale, and to the right are the stairs to the main floor. There were lots of happy kids in the children's section. Down the hall, they have the walls lined with lots of information, including subsidized tickets to different events and places including the bird sanctuary nearby. They also have an extensive and well diversified library of tools and equipment to loan for a week including sporting gear, home repair tools, yard tools, games, and even a telescope. I was impressed. On my way out, I also saw a an ad for a free account to Mango through the library, which is a language learning platform (perfect for my journey to learning French).

Parking is easy behind the building. Staff are always so kind and sweet. The children's area is…read morealways such a treat for my kiddos to go visit and enjoy a little play time with friends.

I can't say enough about this library. It's so beautiful inside and out. It's always meticulously…read moremaintained. All of the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. I have so many fond memories visiting this library as a child and getting to see the mummy hand in the attic. The children's programs are excellent, we look forward to attending every week!

A library that will…read more never be built again I have been to a lot of libraries. big ones, small ones, old ones and new ones but i don't believe I have even seen one quite this physically impressive. It looks more like a medieval castle than a library. Being right next door to a 135 foot high obelisk, a cool old fort and great views of the Thames River certainly doesn't hurt. The money for this library was donated by an extremely generous man named Frederic Bill. He made his money in the linen business back in the 1800's and wanted to give back some of it to help his community. He ended up helping to build churches, schools, and of course this library. The library was opened in 1890 and constructed of huge blocks of granite floated down by barge by from the quarries at Stony Creek in Branford, Ct. The library originally held about 1,750 volumes but has grown a lot since then. It had major additions added in 1907 and 1994 and the amazing thing is that the additions blend in so well with the original structure that it all looks like it was built at one time. The inside has all the modern conveniences of most libraries but never lets you forget that you are in a very special place. Something cool to look at in every direction, this is far more than just a place to store books. This is a library that will never be built again. Look inside and you see all types of unique architecture and creative art, if you happen to take a peek out the window you see a monstrous obelisk looming overhead or perhaps an old revolutionary fort. The building, grounds and location are just so damn impressive that the books almost become superfluous. Walk slowly and breath deeply when you go through the doors, this is a very special library.

A great library to stop and get some work done. Plenty of tables spread around the space, both on…read morethe upper and lower floors. There are also more cozy chair options if you are here to read. I love the view over the water. My only complaint is it took me a little while to find a table that had access to a power outlet - go to the lower level, take a left, and go all the way to the end! Also! They have a plant exchange!!!! Such a lovely idea. Bring a plant cutting to leave and take a new friend home :)

We've been trying to go on "adventures" to get out of our own backyard and visit some of the other…read moreOcean State Libraries, and today's sojourn brought us to the North Kingstown Free Library. As others have said, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing library in the world, and the architecture / interior design lean more toward "80's Afterschool Special" than "Beauty and the Beast", but don't let that deter you! I was very impressed with not only the ample collection of books, but also the large and gorgeous windows that look out onto a scenic lake that is behind the library. Nothing better than sitting in a comfy chair (and there are many of them) near the windows and watching the sun set while reading a great book. I am definitely impressed with this place - don't judge a book by its weird 1980s / Twin Peaks cover.

Slowing down time…read more The Preston Public Library was started in 1898 and still does a whole lot of things that it did for decades.. You can read a book, do some research, ask the friendly librarian stupid questions or just sit and relax. The difference now is that the library has five computers for public use and free wifi and other modern amenities. The Preston Library also offers a great kids area and all kinds of different programs ranging from arts & crafts to story telling. Things don't change much in a small town like Preston and that is usually a very nice thing. The library manages to keep it's small, quaint and unassuming feel of the 20th century while offering the latest technology of the 21st. .