While in Pawtucket, recently, I stopped by the Pawtucket Public Library to check it out. I had…read morenever been inside before, just driven past it many times. The library is a complex of two historical buildings, the Deborah Cook Sayles Public Library and the Gerald S. Burns Building. Both buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1898, Pawtucket's first Mayor, Frederic Clark Sayles offered to give a plot of land on Summer Street for the construction of a free public library. He traveled to Europe, looking for architectural inspiration from Europe's most majestic libraries. The Library is not only distinctive in its architecture, but also in its service. It was one of the first libraries in the country to allow users open access to the library book stacks and one of the first to be open on Sundays, accommodating the many Pawtucket mill workers who worked six days a week. The Sayles Building is an impressive example of Greek revival architecture. Four massive Ionic columns form a portico at the former entrance. The front doorway of this building is an exact replica of the Erechtheion, a Greek temple on the Acropolis at Athens. The panels show a comprehensive view of the world's civilizations. The panels depict scenes from Roman, Grecian, Egyptian, Latin, Anglo-Saxon, and Teutonic civilizations. The Library is known for its decorative ceilings, soaring pillars, and glass-floored North balcony. The Gerald S. Burns Building served as the Pawtucket Post Office from 1896 to the 1940's. A dome tops its round entrance, which is located at the intersection of the streets. In 1982, the renovations of the original United States Post Office building were completed and the Deborah Cook Sayles Public Library was joined with the newly dedicated Gerald S. Burns building to become what is known today as the Pawtucket Public Library. There were lots of people inside using the library and it was very refreshing to see their love of books and learning. A beautiful building for an up-and-coming city in Rhode Island.

I was heading home from work and I needed to print something for a family member in the area so I…read morestopped into this library, not knowing what I was getting into. Anyways they do have a little parking lot area, and then you walk down a little walkway and into the building, it is huge and absolutely beautiful on the outside I had no idea this was a LIBRARY! As soon as I walked in I was greeted and the young lady navigated me to where the computer area was so I could print. I found it easily with her help, because I could've got lost this place is huge and every book lovers dream (me). There was a lady at the computer area and she was very sweet she showed me how to print because every library is different. I noticed all ages, races and religions were in this library quietly and getting things done. I love that. I printed what I needed too very easily with no conflict, I was in and out within 10 minutes I liked that. But this place is dreamy, such a huge selection of books and you can easily get lost in here it's so huge. Very clean and neat, they didn't have carts with books that block isles as I have seen in so many other libraries. Loved it here. I will be coming back to just do some self care, the aura and vibes I felt here were great. It's surprisingly quiet even though it was jam packed with people.

Just when you think the CSPH couldn't get any better... it does. In January they moved to a larger…read morespace within the Grant Building and it. looks. incredible. The library area is very cozy, and all of their toys and educational supplies are neatly organized, making it easy for folks to look around and explore. The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to answer any questions. They also have a great collection of antique vibrators which are beautifully displayed. I highly recommend checking out the Center for any and all sexuality/gender/women's studies related things. They have an expansive library and an education staff who can point you in the right direction. They also offer monthly workshops, trivia nights, and other fun events. Always a great place to explore and learn!

The Center is a great place to learn anything you'd like to know about sexual health, and they even…read moreoffer sex counseling! It's 18+, though, so please keep that in mind if you plan to visit. Megan Andelloux, who runs the Center, is fantastic and will answer absolutely any question you may have. She is really dedicated to keeping this resource open for anyone who wanders in and is not afraid to speak her mind about what she believes. The CSPH is a great addition to The Grant building, and is a great way to put Pawtucket on the map in terms of tourism.

This is a very beautiful well made and hand painted book box made and in dedication to Michele…read moreJeffrey. It is a certified non-profit Little Free Library Charter #69974. It is located directly on Chase Farm in between the blacksmith shop and the schoolhouse. There is plenty of parking in either of the Lots but you will have to get out of your car and walk about 50 yards to the Box itself. There's a nice picnic table and plenty of shaded area to sit and enjoy and the scenery and farm itself is to die for as far as visuals. It's far enough off the street where you don't have to worry about traffic, and to the best of my knowledge it is dog friendly if they are leashed. There is a good selection of children's books and since we just added to it there are plenty more now. There is also a handful of adult and preteen books as well. I love that the book box is hand-painted and themes towards music as a nod to Michele love of singing. And true worldly form, the birds are chirping today.

This is a great Little Free Library. I do not believe that it is registered with The Little Free…read moreLibrary organization but non-the-less it is a great addition to the neighborhood. It sits right across the way from Marieville Elementary School on Cooper Street, and it would be wise to park on a side street and walk on over. There is always an abundance of children's selections, they change out more frequently during the school year. There is a cute little bench there as well.

I visited the Arnold House for the last tour of the day. The tour guide is really knowledgeable…read moreand they take you all the way up to the attic. The house is very minimalistic in its contents, but the main focus is the architecture. Free parking is available at the park next to the house. There is one bathroom available for use.

Today, Historic New England, the group that manages and maintains Arnold House, offered free tours…read moreof all their properties. I had visited Arnold House back in 2021 but the interior was closed. Today, I got a great tour of the inside. The family that originally built and lived in the house in the late 17th and early 18th century had 10 children and lived in the space of one large living/ great room, one kitchen, one huge bedroom for the entire family on the second floor and a spacious attic for storage and maybe also a few kids. The docents here were extremely knowledgeable about the site and friendly, encouraging questions and photos. There are also beautiful, short trails around the property as well as a small picnic area near the parking area.

Grupo Amigos De Terceira Inc. is a non-profit charity organization that holds many traditional…read morePortuguese events and uses its profit to help various private and public charities in the local community as well as abroad. On Friday evenings, the kitchen is open to the public, with every final Friday of the month featuring a Fado singer. There are two halls available as rentals, one holding roughly 100 people and the other allowing for over 300 guests. The food is impeccable and holds true to traditional Portuguese cuisine. Check out this hidden gem for your wedding, corporate function, fundraiser, or family event.

These are wonderful people who are getting books in the hands of the children of Rhode Island. They…read moreare wonderful resource to parents teachers and schools

Not only is The Map Center like a candy store to me, but I was fortunate enough to go with my close…read moregeographer and longtime friend Steve and his partner Jen. We've all traveled together a lot and this is the perfect place to enjoy together. What an eclectic collection! The greatest asset in-house.. Andrew Middleton himself. He has incredible energy, insight, and overwhelming passion for maps. We had a great time talking to him and.. listening to the stories! I will definitely be back with more friends and family . For now I just got a great t-shirt . Oh and I found out about this place because I had recently ordered my friend Damien Saunder's awesome Maps on Vinyl coffee table book from there as the local distributor. It's only 45 minutes from our house!

The owner was so wonderful and knowledgeable. You can tell he's very passionate about what he does!…read moreHe has all sorts of maps and books and knows a lot about them all! It's a spot worth checking out!