Firstly, I love libraries. I do miss the old school librarian shushing people though. I loved the…read morequiet in libraries of yesterday year. The librarians and the reference desk staff are so pleasant and helpful. I have loved this place for years( as well as the Auburn branch).

Solid selection Good staff…read moreReciprocity This is the central branch of the Cranston Public Library system, and has the selection and staff to match. It's essentially what you'd expect in terms of a library - roughly Carter-era design, technology about a generation or two behind, modest amounts of light, and shelf after shelf of books lounging in dust-jackets and Dewey Decimal System sequence. The basic layout is the checkout/circulation area, a children's partition with its own dedicated staff resource, new releases and periodicals, audio/video, and general reference beyond. On a recent sunny Saturday afternoon, the parking lot was near-capacity, as a testament to the still-viable draw of a decent (or better) library. I found some good titles and was checked out efficiently, with three weeks to borrow the books. It's now common practice that borrowing virtually anything in one library branch entitles you to return to virtually any other branch within the entirety of the Ocean State - so we have that going for us...which is nice. I like it. My kids like it. Early returns are that you, too, would like it for all of your media-borrowing needs. Four stars because of its robust offering, and because this is a solid library amongst a community network weathering some hard times despite still occupying a meaningful educational, research, and fellowship niche in modern society.

I use the Cranston Public Library very frequently. All my life I have been a big fan of THE PUBLIC…read moreLIBRARY . I appreciate both printed BOOKS , MAGAZINES ,NEWSPAPERS and the fairly new information technology including dozens of computers available to library patrons. I would vote in ANY election for an increase in library funding. For years it was taken for granted by both library patrons and library staff that- conducive to studying and reading -QUIET and CIVILITY were the norm; indeed THE RULE, in public libraries. For some time now I have been perturbed by this unexplained , un-therapeutic, and RUDE to the general public DUMPING BUS LOADS OF MENTALLY DISTURNED YOUTH into the Cranston Public Library. Presently I am typing at a computer station here and seated to my left is a clearly mentally disturbed youth. Only the STATE OF RHODE ISLAND can be authorizing this unprofessional " treatment " of difficult minors. NOTE : The Cranston Public Library could at least give notice to regular patrons for " patience " with this " problem ". Some of us might just think that " brats " are the problem here. Like the homeless crisis ,the real problem here is the STATE of Rhode Island ( or perhaps the City of Cranston ? ) neglecting vulnerable people. Ron Ruggieri , 75 Mathewson St., Cranston, Rhode Island ( 401-580-7432 )

A little library with…read morea lot The very first Knightsville library was established back in 1927 and was just a small spot in a local store. The is was typical for the time and libraries were just sort of stuck in any place that had some room. The very first permanent library in Knightsville was built in 1959, a little brick building that is unassuming but very functional and has a lot more inside than you would think possible for it's size. A great example of how space can be utilized, this little library just oozes over with so many things to explore and examine. Nothing aesthetically that really stands out, the library has the good things that just can't be verbalized or expressed. It becomes very obvious that everything about this library is special every though nothing really stand out. This building was constructed by contributions in the name of Gerard Ruggieri. A great honor to have people love you enough to name a library after you. This library is a special little place that is so, so quiet and subtle. Nothing special about it at all. But I suspect the people that use this library know and appreciate just how wonderful a small, and very unassuming place can be. This review is dedicated to Alexandra S. She walks softy upon the earth but sees what most of us don't.

Old schools and…read moreold trees The city of Cranston has one main public library and five small branch libraries. This review is for the Oaklawn branch of the Cranston library system. Old schoolhouses tend to make great libraries and in fact a lot of the small, local libraries had their beginnings as tiny schools. This former old schoolhouse is really old and was built back in 1838. It remained a school until 1895 when a new and larger school was built and it was decided to use this as the permanent library. Other libraries were built in Cranston but this one remains as a very cool reminder of the past. The building has had several renovations and additions during the decades but it's schoolhouse roots are still evident. Great vaulted ceilings and rambling areas that are not necessarily logical shows that this not designed from the start as a library. You can still see where the old, original part separates from the newer additions and it's easy to imagine what the original school looks like. A giant, ancient tree guards the front and I suspect the tree was old before this building or perhaps even town was a thought. Yeah, this place has books. magazine, computers, wi-fi and all the other usual library stuff. Useful, convenient and very friendly and knowledgeable librarians make this a place that still has purpose. However it's the history, spooky old tree and cool old building that makes this library special.

Awesome!!!!! We are so fortunate to have a wonderful library system here in Cranston. We have…read morebeautiful libraries and they are so full of not only books but technology and videos and reference materials that are boundless. The people who work in these libraries are amazingly knowledgeable and kind and helpful. I have never gone in to a library and a not come out with what I was looking for in some fashion. They will go above and beyond to serve your needs and to help you either look for the information that you want or to try to find it in a different way or a different place for you. I am very grateful to all of those who work in the library system and to the city of Cranston for funding the libraries. They are such a vital part of our community.

I am proudly a public library nerd... for decades! And I love both of my local libraries:…read moreProvidence Public Library & Warwick Public Library - Apponaug branch. PPL has an old Dewey Decimal Classification storage cabinet which they use for seed distribution in the spring. I'm so excited to try growing tomatillos! #LibrariesForTheWin

Lately, I have been borrowing a few book from the main Library and the system is very easy to…read morenavigate. Basically you enter your library card number and you can create a list of titles that you are interested in. You can then place a hold on any of them if they are not on the shelf and they will let you know when your book is ready for pickup. Just go to the second floor and to the left of the information desk, there are self serve shelves with all the books ready to be picked up. I just looked for mine under my last name, check it out and I have three weeks to read it. Easy and free.

Huge parking lot-never have an issue finding any. Library is a good size and the employees are…read morealways helpful. They host community events and it's always clean.

Took my son here in the evening during the week. It was getting to be a little late so not too…read moremany kids in the children's room. I have to say the children's room was very nice. A big wooden boat for the kids to play in and also a castle for them to go in. Lots of little puzzles for younger kids to manipulate hanging along the walls. My 8 year old really enjoyed it. Also looks like they do a number of activities and classes here. I think I saw something about a coding class and also some movies that would be playing. Overall very nice library. We'll be back!

We went to this library for the first time recently and we were so impressed! The head librarian…read moreasked us if we wanted a tour- she was playful, funny- just great! The children's area had so much to play with- i particularly loved the dress up; example, policeman uniform. There was a huge aquarium with information surrounding it about the fish. There were so many ongoing events for different groups, such as craft afternoons for adults once a month.

The Hope Library is my go-to haven for the bookworm in me. Nestled in picaresque Hope, RI, this…read morelocation is an easy in and out when in the area. I started visiting here during the pandemic which means that despite my using their services with some frequency, I've only ever really walked in the first 10 feet of this establishment a handful of times. For the most part, I utilize the Ocean State Libraries online database to request delivery of books to this location. In the beginning, I utilized their curbside/contactless pickup which was ever so easy and convenient. I could grab and go and do the same when it was time to drop what I borrowed back off. Since then, I have interacted with the front desk staff for pickups (masks required). Everyone that works there has been incredibly nice. Even when I walk in 10 minutes before closing to grab a book that has arrived for me. I'm always in and out in just a couple minutes. Their website is easy to use and advertises all the in-person and online offerings they have running.

This is my childhood library. I have seen it change only for the better over time. I grew up at…read morethis library. I owe everything I am today to this library.

A beautiful historic library. Incredible Interlibrary loans service. I often bring my laptop here…read moreto do work.

Came here with little to no expectations but it ended up being one of my favorite spots in the…read morearea. $5 suggested donation /person admission Very quiet but cozy library. Feels like an amazing place to study and take a second to read. Highly recommend a visit for anyone coming out of state. Definitely would enjoy coming back for a whole day.

What a cool gem in Providence! If you are not a member and just want to look around you can pay the…read moresuggested donation of $5/person. There is a QR code to scan for a self guided tour. Filled with history, nooks and crannies to read and study in, and so many books. Edgar Allan Poe was once a visitor with his love interest at the time. Worth a stop if you are on the East side of Providence.

Very special…read morelibrarians The Norwood Library is kind of a squat, small and bricky looking building. Not unattractive but certainly not one of the more stunning New England libraries. It looks like a bunker or air raid shelter on the outside, something that would survive just about anything. We got there just as it was closing, in fact it was closed and the librarians were leaving for the day. Itty, bitty libraries like this aren't open very often and you have to get the hours right. In fact the hours often change and are very irregular and not necessarily logical. However the very kind librarians let us in even though it kept them from leaving and didn't hurry us one bit. They were very friendly and pleasant even though it was obvious that we were keeping them from going home. They both patiently answered our stupid questions and even turned on the lights on and let us go downstairs. This library was built back in 1907 and is pretty cool if you take the time to look carefully. It is a very stout and strong looking building tucked in a small space but it does have some cool windows and an impressive slate roof. Obviously not one of the more impressive and grandiose libraries in New England but still a pretty cool place. We didn't have a lot of time to poke around the library but it was well organized and had all the usually library stuff. The kids section downstairs was especially cool. Just a little library in a small part of town. Nothing specially except for the accommodating librarians that sacrificed their time so we could poke around There are plenty of books and plenty of places to keep books, but librarians like this are what makes certain libraries very special.

Readers and non-readers alike need a library card…read more First, with a library card you have access to on-line books, both visual and audio. The card catalog for books is online and if your local branch does not carry a book, you can order it from another branch for local library pick-up. The Libby app allows you to borrow audio and visual books on your phone or tablet for free! Second, they also have a 'library of things'. Sewing machine, video game, roku, tools, etc., etc. Why buy when you can borrow?! Check out their website for details. Third, free classes. Learn how to use technology with age appropriate classes and workshops. Learn to knit with women from your community. Lots of hands on classes for kids to seniors to homeschoolers. Fourth, game nignts. Play Jack Box games or board games or cards with others. Bring your own or use theirs. Fifth, evening speaker events. Local authors, historians and experts in a number of fields. All for free. Sixth, walking group. Once a week meet up with others and take a stroll along the bike path. Meet new neighbors, enjoy fresh morning air, move your body. This is a gentle stroll. No power walkers in this group so get out and socialize a bit. Seven, passes. Libraries help you save money by offering discounted or free passes to things you want to do. Eight food pantry. This is a small selection provided by library patrons. When clearing out grandma's home, don't throw those canned goods away, donate them to the library like we did. Be a hero, donate to your community, or if you are in need, just ask. Nine, shop. This library has a small shop of items for sale that support library services. Think of them when you need a little gift, or just stop in to support them. Ten, donations. If you are a big reader, the library happily takes donations of new titles. Make some room on your book case and share your beloved stories with your neighbors. When you get your library card sign up for their newsletter for a list of monthly events scheduled. Check out the website for discounts and passes and their library of books and things. Plenty of parking with permitted spots by the door. Automatic doors at the entrance. Kids section on ground floor. Public restroom. Elevator to upper level. Lovely humans. Go make use of your public library!

I am challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year. This…read morewas the seventh one I visited. My friend and I came about 3 hours before closing, and left about 2 hours later. There was not much on the first floor (besides the cutest little shopping cart for kids and the bathroom) so we went upstairs. The employee there was really helpful and told us a little bit more about the library since it was our first time. We noticed they had little Knick knacks they were selling from a club they have so I got something as a memory. In addition, they had a map where you can color in countries you've been to - they change up this activity every month. We sat in a sound proof little booth, where you can adjust the lighting. As we were leaving, the employee showed us their craft room and they have lots of materials and machines so if you've ever feeling creative but don't have the resources definitely check them out. They have lots of parking and a good selection of books.