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    Cranston Public Library

    3.7 (21 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Cranston Public Library Photos

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    Liz C.

    I have had a library card as long as I can remember and that's a long time...remember the bookmobile of the 70's? Since my library account has been accessible online, which is about 10 years. I really only go in to pick up and drop off books. Believe it or not that is often enough for me to still know most of the library staff. Where else can you take out books, movies, music, art and enough get free or discount admission to many museums and local attractions. I treat my library account a little like my Netflix queue. I always request immediately any book or movie I'm interested in. That way I pretty much always have something coming in to read, watch or listen too. I feel strongly that everyone should get a library card and utilize this FREE treasure. In fact, I get kind of suspicious of someone who doesn't have a card. Fugitive perhaps?

    Their children's section is the size of some entire libraries!

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    Ask the Community - Cranston Public Library

    Review Highlights - Cranston Public Library

    Believe it or not that is often enough for me to still know most of the library staff.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Cranston Public Library - Knightsville Branch

    Cranston Public Library - Knightsville Branch

    5.0(6 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Cranston Public Library - Knightsville Branch - A very pleasant place.

    A very pleasant place.

    Cranston Public Library - Knightsville Branch - A special place that isn't very special.

    A special place that isn't very special.

    Cranston Public Library - Knightsville Branch

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    Cranston Public Library - Oak Lawn Branch

    Cranston Public Library - Oak Lawn Branch

    5.0(3 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Cranston Public Library - Oak Lawn Branch - The old part

    The old part

    Cranston Public Library - Oak Lawn Branch - Beautiful ceilings

    Beautiful ceilings

    Cranston Public Library - Oak Lawn Branch

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    Hope Library - Cool old sign

    Hope Library

    4.8(6 reviews)
    5.6 mi

    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.

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    Hope Library - Don't stand under the icicles

    Don't stand under the icicles

    Hope Library - A wonderful library

    A wonderful library

    Hope Library - The main desk

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    The main desk

    Warwick Public Library

    Warwick Public Library

    5.0(1 review)
    1.4 mi

    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.

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    Warwick Public Library - Cool chairs

    Cool chairs

    Warwick Public Library
    Warwick Public Library - Scruffy Tourist like this library

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    Scruffy Tourist like this library

    West Warwick Public Library - Confrence room on lower level

    West Warwick Public Library

    4.5(8 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    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.

    Photos
    West Warwick Public Library - Sun safety display

    Sun safety display

    West Warwick Public Library - Quilt made for the library.

    Quilt made for the library.

    West Warwick Public Library - Elevator for upper level access

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    Elevator for upper level access

    Cranston Public Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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