I moved from North Smithfield to the Burrillville area within the last couple of years. I was…read morehesitant to leave the North Smithfield library as that was the library that I went to growing up and I had become accustomed to it. My boyfriend told me that the library in Burrillville is actually really nice and he took me there one day. I'm so glad that he did because the library is incredibly impressive and it has turned into my favorite spot in town. It has plenty of room to be able to sit relax, read, and study. They also have an area for a community puzzle that you can work on. They have a really good book selection and they are connected to Ocean State library so if you don't find the book that you're looking for there they can have it ordered from another RI library. You can also drop off/return books from any Ocean State library to this library. The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They seem to coordinate a lot of events and keep things interesting at the library. For example, this summer they had a place where you could pick out some seeds for gardening and it was in collaboration with another local group. I'm so happy that I live close by to this library and that I tried something new and gave it a chance!

This is the closest library to us, so it is the one we go to most often. They have a good kid's…read morearea, and the whole library is nice and big. Everyone is friendly and helpful but they do NOT accept cards for payment (in my case, a late fee). Had to log onto the computer to pay it off which was faulty, and had to try three different computers before I could check out a new book. They have some cute kids activities to choose from, as do the other libraries in RI. We went to a couple story time sessions with the kids which they enjoyed. There is a park across the street from them now which I have not yet checked out, and also another small park up the road. Usually we make a park/library trip at the same time. I like the toys and activities at the Slatersville location better, but this library does have the largest kids area out of all I've been to.

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.

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 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.

Love, love, love this place. This is by far the best library I have ever been to, and it all has…read moreto do with Mr. Steve, and his children's programs. I know for a fact that all the moms that come to this library travel from different towns JUST to take his classes. Such a great guy, and such a great variety of classes. I also see a lot of tweens going there for programs which is pretty unusual. That says alot about this place and how it has a community feel.

Plants, books and…read moreweird sculpture The first Buckingham Library started back in 1894 when the town decided to buy one hundred dollars worth of books and stick them in the house of a generous volunteer.. This was the official library until 1905 when the growing number of books were place in a spare room at the local school. It became increasingly obvious over the years that this was not the ideal solution so in 1930 the first "real" library was built. Conveniently located on Main Street, this library served well until maintenance problems and size restraints made the town realize that it needed a new and more modern library. So a new building was constructed and in 1989 opened it's doors for business. The new Bellingham Library isn't one of the most stunning libraries from the outside. Rather plain and symmetrical and except from the bizarre sculpture of a kid standing on her head guarding the front of the library, the building isn't going to drop any jaws. However the inside is extremely well designed with a nice flow of lines and everything nicely organized and easy to find. One of the best things about the library is the abundance of plants inside. Large and creeping greenery greet you around every corner. A pleasant addition to all the books and computers. The librarians were cheerful, funny and helpful and suited the ambiance of the library perfectly. A very pleasant library that has a sense of peace and purpose. The aesthetics won't blow you away but the building will impress in a quiet and gentle way. Especially if you happen to enjoy statures of kids doing somersaults.

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.

I absolutely love this library. It offers so much! The librarians go above and beyond. When I was…read morefinishing a Master's Degree program and was having difficulty with a website where I was supposed to submit my work, one of the librarians worked with me to help me. They have wonderful programs for teens as well. During the pandemic, teens were lost without activities to do and to get them together but the library continued to have zoom programs such as Dungeons and Dragons and craft activities too. I find the librarians to be so flexible in meeting the concerns of the community. Also, I read in a previous post about traffic but they had construction done so now patrons and staff can enter and exit from a side street: Pleasant View and there is a light if you are entering from Putnam to Pleasant. The library is bright, clean and quiet.They have a community garden and many community events. Their calendar is full with events for all ages. The staff work hard to get to know all of the patrons and our families. My husband uses it for the books. I use it mainly for the computers and printing lately though their book clubs are fantastic too! My teen uses it for the teen space, summer reading and has volunteered there as well, reading to younger children. Greenville Public Library is one of the best libraries in our state!

This library is amazing. As are all the RI public libraries!…read more I have a library card and then I log on to their website, look for the books I want, request them (and you can have them transferred from other RI libraries too!) and then I get an email when I can go in to pick them up. They keep their hold shelf to the left when you walk in. Books are held in alphabetical order by holders last names. The coolest thing? You get to self check out at this library!! I can run in and out within 3 minutes with this process. Saves me money and space that I don't have to give and helps the library stay active. If you sign up for their newsletter, they will email you their monthly events! I've taken a few awesome classes! One we built a terrarium for air plants! There's financial classes, after school classes for kids... everything. And as I was typing this review, Yelp told me i'm the 'Wizard of Words' so I think that means you have to listen to me. :D

What a charming old library. While it is free to visit, there is a suggested donation of $5. When…read moreyou enter you'll sign in and get a visitor sticker. It seems like there are options to become a member so you can use the space to study and work. While exploring, there were quite a few people working in the space. There is a huge selection of books and I love how it's organized. I really enjoyed the basement section that held the history of the space and some of the very first books that survived the fire that burnt its predecessor. The staff is friendly and kind. There were restrooms downstairs. I loved visiting.

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.

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.

Such a great local library. Clean, organized, so many events/classes available for all age groups…read more I've been coming here for many many years.

To be transparent I came to the library for a pop up coffee experience but got so much more. A…read morelibrary card that I haven't had in years, borrowed a book that I was eyeing when I was in line waiting for coffee another thing I haven't done in over 10 years. Also got to attend the library book sale and raffle. Bought some raffle tickets and bought a couple or several books. An unexpected Saturday morning.