A very, very special…read morelibrary The first Hopedale library started back in 1855 and it was just a few hundred books stuck in the back of a school until Joseph Bancroft built this library in 1898 in honor of his wife Sylvia. He stated he wanted something very, very special to be constructed in her memory and he definitely got his wish. I've seen a whole heap of libraries but this is one that that made my jaw drop. Just so many unusual and different things to look at, the books inside seem absolutely irrelevant. The first thing that catches your eye is the building itself, made of pink Milford granite and fashioned after an Oxford chapel, it is indeed stunning. Strange and mysterious, it looks like it was just plunked down from somewhere else. If you go over to the side you will notice a huge fountain. This was a gift from another local resident and was actually used as a for drinking until the board of health decided it probably wasn't a good idea to have people drinking from the same fountain as horses, dogs and pigeons. Once inside the library your eyes will immediately seek the ceiling. Exposed beams and intricate carvings will strain your neck and your sense of reality. How can this really be a library? The quiet and darkness just adds to the ambiance. Plenty of cool old pictures of cool old people long gone and strange antiques are everywhere and dark and spooky corners and rooms complete the bizarre and extraordinary landscape. The librarian was friendly and helpful but rather reserved, like she knew she worked in the coolest damn library in the whole state and there was no need to be obvious about it. I've seen a lot of libraries and it takes a very special library to really impressive me but the Bancroft Library certainly did the trick. Sylvia Bancroft did indeed get something, very, very special in her memory.

The best of both…read moreworlds The Blackstone Public Library is a visual stunning but still an extremely useful, efficient and very modern library. I believe it was built around 1978 and has all the modern conveniences that you would expect in a new library. However what really makes this library special is the fact that although it is thoroughly modern it still has the unique feel and ambiance of an old and historical library. The architecture is stunning, from the stone exterior to the vaulted and beamed ceilings. Aesthetically lovely and spacious at the same time. Since it is a large library there are plenty of resources and places to spread out and relax and it's a pleasure just to walk through the wonderful space. One of the best parts of the library is the incredible Historical Room. Not only old books and records but a great genealogy section and even a section for newspaper obituaries. A truly stunning and lovely library that manages to look toward the future without forgetting about the past.

This is a review just studying wise…read more This library is great, nice big and open. all the times I've gone its never been really packed with people. i was always able to find place to sit and get my work done. The WiFi is fast, no problems with that at all. Lots of big tables to really spread out all your work. Probably the best thing about this place is all the tables have power outlets in the middle of the tables. It is absolutely thee best thing ever about this place i love this. it is so convenient for me or anyone that needs power and doesn't have to go on a search for an outlet. tell them i sent you, quietly of course.

This is a great little library with plenty of programs for babies and toddlers. There's something…read moreto do almost every day of the week! It is perfect for stay at home parents and even working parents because they offer evening and weekend programming as well.

The layout of the children's section seems to be conducive to my children running around like…read morechickens with their heads cut off. It's not really a contained space and there is the allure of doors, hallways, and a staircase(!) all around. I've never actually been actually able to look at the books here but I've gotten a decent workout chasing my kids around the premises.

I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year. This…read morelibrary was the second one I visited and on my drive there, I felt some nostalgia since I used to play soccer down the street at wide world of indoor sports when I was younger. What caught my eye (and my ears) when I first arrived was the water and trees beyond the parking lot. You can go down there as there are benches. The library is a bit small, but they make good use of their space. A lot of their books are in the shelves where you can press a button to open to the section you need, which does conserve space. They did have a puzzle you can help make, but what I was really happy about was their bird watching section. There's a big window bringing in natural light, a warmth that feels like a hug, one couch and two cushioned seats, and a great view to the birdfeeders outside. It's great for kids (and adults too), and apparently in the summer, they have hummingbirds. They also have a kids section, large print section, and new books.

A library with…read more waterfalls Most libraries are goods sources of information with plenty of books, magazines and computers. Some libraries in New England are also historical places, great old building that were fortunately preserved. Others are in beautiful natural settings with great views. Very few have all three. The North Smithfield is definitely one the few. The library is in a old mill that was built back in the 1800's, a massive stone building that drips with history and character. A few additions have increased it's size over the years but the original structure is still very obvious. The walls must be four feet thick in places. Great fun just to walk around the place and look at the amazing construction. This building was made to last forever. If you go outside to the back on the library you will notice a park like setting and the sound of running water. The Blackstone River is the sound of the noise and a cool waterfall that use to power the mill is right there, and in fact another cool waterfall is only a short distance upstream and easily seen. Several benches, some old rusty industrial artifacts and a very cool little bridge makes this a great place to sit and read or relax. I've found most librarians to be extremely friendly but the ones here go beyond the call of duty. When I said that I was interested in the history of the library one even took me on a tour of the building and gave me information about the town and mills in the area. Patiently answered all of my stupid questions. A lot of the towns in many states are having budget difficulties and unfortunately the local libraries are often one of the first victims. This library is an absolutely gem and historical and natural beauty and it would be an incredible crime if some improvident and parsimonious politician decided to close it down to save a few dollars. It is quite literally irreplaceable. Sometimes you just don't realize what you have until it's gone.

I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year. This…read morelibrary was the fourth one I visited, but this time with a friend who grew up in Woonsocket. She mentioned they had new furniture such as the big personal armchairs. I really liked that at the back of the library they have lots of natural light coming in through the windows and lots of plants right below. I was also entertained by the book they had with maps of all the cities in Rhode Island--I was able to find my house and see the landmarks they had years ago and are still around today. They have a good selection of books and movies. The outside of the building looks really nice and there is plenty of parking.

A moment in…read moretime The Woonsocket Harris Library was the very first library in the state of Rhode Island. It was built in 1868 and occupied the bottom floor of the old Harris Building. The library was founded by Edward Harris and Abe Lincoln actually gave a famous anti slavery speech in this building in 1860. It became obvious that the venerable old library was far to small to meet the needs of the people of Woonsocket so a new library was built in 1973. A much more modern facility that was extensively renovated in 2001, the library is clean, friendly and very efficient. Not the fanciest or most aesthetically beautiful library but the Harris Library does posses it's own unique charm. Nicely laid out and spacious, it has more of a small town library feel rather than one in a city. On the side of the library is a time capsule and monument meant to be opened in about one hundred years. I'm not sure what exactly was put in the capsule but I suspect the contents will give a good chuckle to the future library patrons that happen to be around when the capsule is finally opened.

So much to share so I'm going to just get to the point for you:…read more 1. Spacious 2. Large kids area with play centers (my 3 year old LOVES this place) 3. Has a teen center! 4. Has rooms you can book and utilize 5. runs a lot of great events for kids and adults alike (my daughter has done October ghost hunting after hours, they do concerts for kids, Bluey events, storytime, free family portraits, etc... Check their website for listings and they change frequently!) 6. They have a book store called friends of the Library which is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (donated books sold extremely cheap) 7. The building holds a lot of history 8. Plenty of parking 9. They do kids and adult craft take home bags. Check their calendar for adults and register monthly for kids its a different craft weekly (all free!) Only thing- I wish some of the employees were a little more friendly and outgoing. Especially with my kids.

It is a good library with a teen center/kids section and plenty of books…read more One way to improve- more events for young kids that take place after traditional working hours. Thanks!

I always drive past this place on my way home from the Wrentham Outlets. I finally got around to…read moregoing inside. My friend and I went on a weekday night, about 2 hours before closing so it was pretty quiet. I initially thought the bookstore was only on the first floor of the building but turns out it's a multi-story experience. There is a parking lot at the back where I parked and I was able to enter through the back door (not sure if this is the main entrance). On the first floor, they have some books, bathrooms, a check out desk, nick nacks (hats, stationery, puzzles, etc.), and most importantly, a coffee shop. The coffee shop was closing up around the time we got there so plan accordingly and do some research on their hours. as they are not the same as the bookstore. The books are clearly labeled by genre. After taking a stroll, we decided to check out the second floor which was supposed to have a little market, a stage where they host events, and some very comfortable couches along with tables and chairs. I mostly came to see if a book spoke to me, but also to get some reading in from the book I brought along with me. The lighting is good, although I sometimes prefer to have a dimmer setting for a cozier feel. We spent about 1.25 hours here, but we could have easily spent a longer time if it weren't so close to closing.

Great little bookstore that has great events. Always a cool place to visit when we're in town.read more

Very nice library. Great children's room with lots for little ones to do. I was impressed with the…read morenumber of take home games and toys that were available. Very colorful with lots of seasonal decor. My son is 2 and all of the toys and puzzles were enough to keep him busy for over an hour. We'll definitely go back!

Staff (one specifically) need to be nicer! Kinda hypocritical in telling people that they can't…read moretalk loudly since it's a quiet area but they do themselves (Double standard)!

This is a beautiful public spot. Not only does it provide both a children's section and an adult…read morelibrary section, but they also teach hundreds of different classes. With classes for adults like yoga, book clubs and more, and teen classes include crafts, lectures by local heroes, and children have a cute play center, this library is perfect in every. Even the staff are wonderful! Great service -5 stars! We really recommend it!

Windows doors and…read morestairs The Uxbridge public library was built in 1894 by money donated by Edward Thayer. Like most libraries of this period it is a grand building that has attention to detail and aesthetics not found in the newer libraries. To my eye it has the look of a castle, church or fortress of some sort and certainly looks like it could last a few more centuries without any difficulty. Huge and looming, it dominants the area. The inside is as impressive as the exterior with a wonderful wooden door than does indeed look like it belongs on a castle and great windows, sky lights and a grand staircase. Throw in a couple of fireplaces and a bunch of old furniture and antiques and you have library that is as much museum as a place for books. The library offers a wide range of activities and classes such as quilting, mosaic window making, resume writing and numerous other interesting stuff. It a also has a great local history and genealogy room on the third floor and a great children's department. A great place to visit for anyone interested in unique architecture or or the late 19th century. It's fun to slowly walk around the exterior and then go inside and just look and feel the history and ambiance of the grand, old building. A very cool and imposing structure that just happens to be a library.