I am challenging myself to visit more of the libraries around the state. I had time to spare and I…read morewas in the area so I decided to stop by. There is a few parking spaces right in front of the building, a bigger lot at the rear of the building, and plenty of street parking so lots of options. I am not sure if the park is part of the library but there is a grassy area with a huge tree in the center and a play house in the far back for kids to play. I noticed the fish tank when I walked in, and later, their library of things (appliances, games, gadgets, etc. to borrow) caught my attention. There are a few good things in their collection, but it is a bit less impressive compared to other libraries. I noticed they had a plant corner which was really cool and were giving seeds away to encourage patrons to garden. The computer lab is in the center of the library, with tables to study along the perimeter of the library and books scattered throughout organized by genre. There is a rack with puzzles where you can freely take a box and give a box which I think is a good exchange program for those like myself who like to do puzzles but not store them. I am sure there were other cool things about this library but I did not do much more exploring. I think it was one floor only. There is a kids section and they do have clean bathrooms.

I've been coming here for 7 years. My dog Danny is the library dog. All the staff is sweet, kind,…read morepatient and accommodating. Although we spend most of our time in the Children's section - everyone is so helpful and we have watched a million interactions. They even have a plant exchange in the back! 10/10 recommend!

An itty bitty…read more library Conimicut Library is small place that is easy to go right by. It looks just like many of the small houses in this beachy area and I suspect that's exactly what it was at one time. Very quaint and unobtrusive. Of course since it is so tiny the library isn't the best place to find some esoteric tome or reference source. The much larger main Warwick Library would be a much better choice for serious research. This library serves the local community and does that well. It has some comfy chairs, a nice fireplace and a very causal and cool atmosphere that is immediately apparent. One table still had arts and craft material from some craft project and pictures and local notices are plastered on many of the walls. Lots of these notices concern projects and programs for children. Obviously the focus here is on kids. Of course they do have books, CD's and DVD's but don't expect a lot of variety. This is a very small but very pleasant local retreat. Just quietly going about it's business the same way it has been doing for a long time. An itty bitty library

As the other review stated, this is a *very* small library. Don't judge a book by it's cover…read morethough! see what I did there? The traffic through here is minimal and there is a decent selection of children's books. I love the main branch, don't get me wrong, but this one doesn't have tablets and touch screen computers that the kids can immediately jump on and zombify themselves with. They actually chose to *gasp* read! And play. And do crafts. There are computers for patrons of the teen/adult variety, but thankfully they are tucked away near the entrance and away from the children's area. This location does not have self checkout, which is refreshing! Human beings helping you out instead of machines? Love it. Wow... I really sound like a luddite.... Anyway.... Yes the selection of books/movies is limited, but you can simply order whatever you'd like to read/watch and pick it up at any location. The bathroom is clean and I love the added touch of a fireplace with cozy chairs beside it. The librarians are LOVELY. Very kind and helpful. They really helped the kids enjoy the whole experience and the craft offered while we were there was adorable. Now if only they would get a pet tarantula like the main... 6 STARS!!!! But until that day, 5 stars it is!!!

It is a lovely neighborhood library. The staff is always helpful. They have a large area just for…read morechildren.

Lighthouses computers…read moreand books The Riverside Library is a new library that was completed in 2005. It's a simple but attractive library on the outside and clean and well organized on the inside. It's immediately obvious that this is a new and well designed library. Lots of computers for public use, a large community room, a wonderful kids area with lots of cool toys and stuffed animals and several interesting displays. Perhaps the most interesting things about the library was the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse display. Several lovely models of the old lighthouse and information by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Association. A very nice and modern branch library that has friendly and pleasant librarians, useful conveniences and amenities and a wonderful display of lighthouses.

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.

It's such a wonderful library. I have little ones that love the company of Ms. Sammy, she works…read morewith the children on the children's side of the library. Her interaction with my children and all the children that go EVERYDAY, is astounding. She does not get enough credit for all of the amazing things she does. Ms. Denise when she's there is on the adults side. She is an absolutely amazing woman. This library is its own family within itself. Sure it's a community library, but when everyone gets together it's basically a family. There's so many awesome events that they hold and they really do care about the health and well being of everyone - child or not - this is by far the best library my family and I have been to and been apart of. If you lack support, come here. I assure you, you will find it. If you just need a friendly familiar face, stop by. It's always the same people in there! Mr. Mark is a volunteer here (forgive me if I'm wrong) and he's a great listener if you just need a safe person to chat with. Sometimes when someone says the word library you think of an old boring building filled with dusty old books... not here. Boring isn't a word that could ever possibly describe this specific library! If you're looking for a clean, fun, and nifty library, search no more, you've found it. My family loves this library and it is just very important to us. It means more to us than we can describe. Pop in, it's worth it

We love the Wanskuck Library so much! It's small and intimate, and the librarians remember your…read morename and ask about your family There are always fun events happening, and it's a great place for little kids to play.

Really gorgeous library! Home to the copies/facsimiles of Lovecraft notes and manuscripts…read more I got to explore the exhibits here and work in the great hall. Since I was visiting during orientation week, I had to leave at closing at 5pm. I would love to spend late-night sessions here!

Beautiful, stately, comfortable and quiet place for Brown and RISD students to settle in and get…read moresome work done! I was allowed in during a parent weekend and was really impressed with the space, it definitely invites the studious. There are big glass windows letting in tons of natural light, as well as recessed lighting for later times in the day.

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.

Only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10-5, this library is reminiscent of the old times, with…read moreonly 3 rooms, and 3 computers. However, the staff at this library are so welcoming and helpful, that it only adds to the small town appeal of this library. Right when you enter the library there is a bookcase of books for sale ($1 for paperbacks, $2 for hardcovers) and these are not obscure books, but recent ones. Within 2 minutes I found a book I've been looking for in used books stores and was ready to leave happy. I decided to further enter the library to use a computer and found that while most RI libraries have computer areas set up, this one has only 3 - one in the main room, 1 in the RI room, and 1 in the children's section. The staff quickly got me set up on one of them and I was off and running. I wouldn't make this my go to library because of the size and limited hours, but it was a treat to experience it for the day.