Charming and peaceful. Enjoyed the complementary seeds for the garden. Great local spotread more

A library that…read more feels like a home Way back in the year 1888 a generous and benevolent fellow named Joseph Langworthy decided he wanted to leave something to the town of Hope Valley to remember him by. He threw around some ideas with family members and came up with the inspiration of a library. So he donated five thousand dollars and started the Joseph Langworthy Public Library. In the beginning the library had a whopping 800 books but quickly grew. In fact it grew so much that they town officials had to keep finding new places to put the library. Finally in 1934 they decided to build a new structure that would have enough room for future improvements. Although a new wing was completed in 1957 the building looks pretty much the way it did when it was built. That's part of the huge charm of the library, it feels and looks more like someones house rather than a stuffy old library. A very pleasant and friendly young lady was working inside and she answered my stupid questions and told me to look around. This library is exceptionally cozy, with a fireplace, fish tank and lots of very cool pictures on the walls. You go down some steep wooden steps and you end up in the children's department. When I was there some kids were playing on the floor and there were toys all over the place. Obvious a place for doing more than just reading. The library has an archives room with lots of local history, genealogy and civil war and colonel records. It's usually staffed by volunteers so you either have to make arraignments or be lucky to use it. The library also has knitting and craft groups, book clubs and tons of books on plants and gardening. I guess being out in the boonies puts an emphasis on botany and agronomy literature. A very cool library that has a relaxed and homey feel to it. It even has a great view of a nice pond out the back. A great place to learn or experience the feel of a small New England town.

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.

A library with a…read more town hall Coventry Public Library shares a larger building with the town hall. The library is on one side and the town hall on the other side and the are connected by a pleasant lobby. Makes things easy and convenient for the people that live in the town,. The library part is about 10,000 square feet and holds about 83,000 volumes. Certainly not a huge library but a lot larger than many of the itty bitty ones that many of the towns have. The building is new so the library doesn't have the charm and history of the cool ancient libraries but it is an extremely pleasant place to check out some books or do some research. The library is very well organized and has lots of comfy places to sit. A great place to get something done or just to hang out and relax. One very nice feature is that the AC is very strong, something that is very appreciated during the present oppressive heat spell. The library was crowded and I suspect a lot of folks came here just to cool off. For a small town library Coventry has a lot of events and programs going on. All kind of notices for storytellers, musical performers, CPR training, and event a artisan fair to be held at the library in the fall. A very cool library, both literally and figuratively. A place to find a book, see what's happening around town or just relax and cool off.

My son has an Egyptian project for school. He needed a 3D model of the Egyptian god, Anubis. My son…read moreinquired about the 3D printer the library has. The librarians were extremely helpful. They explained the process and took the time to download the right file for the model. After all the work they did, the printer broke down. Knowing that the project is due this Friday, we didn't think we would get it in time. The librarians kept us updated and called tonight with great news. The printer is working again and the Anubis model is ready to be picked up...free of charge. Great job! Thank you so very much

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.

A great library to stop and get some work done. Plenty of tables spread around the space, both on…read morethe upper and lower floors. There are also more cozy chair options if you are here to read. I love the view over the water. My only complaint is it took me a little while to find a table that had access to a power outlet - go to the lower level, take a left, and go all the way to the end! Also! They have a plant exchange!!!! Such a lovely idea. Bring a plant cutting to leave and take a new friend home :)

We've been trying to go on "adventures" to get out of our own backyard and visit some of the other…read moreOcean State Libraries, and today's sojourn brought us to the North Kingstown Free Library. As others have said, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing library in the world, and the architecture / interior design lean more toward "80's Afterschool Special" than "Beauty and the Beast", but don't let that deter you! I was very impressed with not only the ample collection of books, but also the large and gorgeous windows that look out onto a scenic lake that is behind the library. Nothing better than sitting in a comfy chair (and there are many of them) near the windows and watching the sun set while reading a great book. I am definitely impressed with this place - don't judge a book by its weird 1980s / Twin Peaks cover.

The Wheeler Library is gorgeous and was once the town's public school, but before that, it was a…read moreprivate school. The upstairs was used as dormitory space, and the restoration retained much of the beautiful woodwork. Meanwhile, the downstairs is inviting and the renovation is more recent but attention has been paid to making it quite attractive after it having served as an office space for many years. Be sure to catch the many busts of famous people on the second floor and also the monthly artist's exhibits.

Lions schools and…read morebusts The Wheeler Library was open in 1900 from money donated by the Wheeler family. Constructed with huge blocks of granite it had a duel purpose. The upstairs served as a lovely library while the bottom floor was an elementary school house. The arraignment lasted for almost 50 years until the town decided to get rid of the 15 little one room school houses and consolidated them into one large regionial school. So the school left and the library expanded into the entire building. Most of the library is now on the first floor and the higher level is a grand room with absolutely stunning widows. cool old photos and lots of busts of old dead guys. The library is lovely in an odd sort of way. Very square and symmetrical, the huge granite blocks look like that will last forever. Not as elaborate as many other libraries but it definitely looks solid and two cool lion statues guard the entrance. The inside is a different story. The first floor has the books and usual library stuff along with a very pleasant librarian but a trip upstairs is what really amazes. A huge open hall with stunning windows and ceiling and cool stuff whenever you look. A few old books are up there but it's most open space. I suspect they use the area for lectures and concerts. The library had some major renovation in 1992 and is a useful and practical facility. But it's the buildings uniqueness that makes it so cool. There are no other library that look quite like this one.

Nice new building lots of books…read more comfy chairs and a big lizard Exeter Public Library was opened in 2004, which makes it the youngest library in the state. Everything is still very clean and smells really nice. No disgusting stains on the carpet and no wads of gum under the tables. The kids haven't had time to mess it up yet. Hopefully the floods of the last few days haven't washed it away. The library isn't particularly large but does have a decent selection of new books, periodicals and reference sources. Not a lot of cool ancient books or historical material but considering the age of the library that isn't surprising. The library is spacious and well lit. Not a bad seat in the house and lots of comfy chairs and places to spead out. The people working here were very gracious and helpful in answering my stupid questions and seem pleasant and amiable. Outside is a nice size parking lot and even a playground for kids that need to burn off some energy before going into a quiet and confined space. The library has the usually bake sales, used book sales, plant sales and you can even get a tote bag and a crummy t-shirt with the libraries name on it. Various lectures and some cool music performances are held. The library is a nice place to stop when going thorough the small town if you need directions, some reference materials or to use a nice clean bathroom. They even have a cool lizard and some nice plants. It might be the newest library in the state but it is also one of the friendliest and most pleasant.

It is a beautiful library in the Quiet Corner which is really historical. The interior is really…read moreold, but it is in good condition, and it is a very inviting, welcoming place for everyone for books, relaxation, studying and more. This library was built in 1895.

A warm and cozy…read morelibrary A library is a great place to spend some time on a snowy December day and a very cool, old library is a especially great place. The Aldrich library was built back in 1893 and is a beautiful Victorian house. Certainly not the largest library or the most spacious, It makes up for some inconveniences with oodles of charm. Lot of cool old furniture and old stuff to look at, the library still is a place to find a book or do some research. These small towns love history and have tons of local information and genealogy. The librarians were wonderful and gladly helped up on our search while still managing to deal with other patrons and hosting a kids party. The beautiful house could use a bit of TLC but it is still a lovely building. Cozy, warm, friendly and inviting. Just the place to spend a cold December afternoon looking for dead people.

If only there were 10 stars. This tiny place is the hub of the community. Its library service is a…read moresliver of what goes on here: concerts, cooking classes, a kids' postcard club, Italian lessons, yoga, art exhibits, adventure lectures, live streaming, movies, guitar lessons, crafts, story hour for tots. A cozy, comfy setting with working fireplace and native plant garden in the back. Private library open to the public, OLIS member, meets all RI state standards, including handicapped access. WiFi available. Open 1:00-6:00 M-F; 9:00-12:00 Sat. Closed Sun. All state library cardholders welcome, but do join the Willett anyway ... your support is vital.

There isn't too much in Saunderstown that's the same as it was in the 1960s. The road I grew up on…read moreis still dirt, but the pasture next to my childhood home, once filled with gentle music from the bells on Mr. Newcomb's sheep, is now occupied by a mini-mansion. My childhood home expanded and looks like a Cape Cod on steroids. The once mostly abandoned summer homes on Narragansett Bay are winterized and occupied. It is unlikely that quite so many families harvest quite so much from the bay as we did....quahogs and mussels and steamers and flounder, or that doors are left unlocked for days, weeks, years, or that mothers don't worry much if, on a summer's night, a 9 year old is so busy capturing fire flies that it is a long time after dark before they come home. I am hopeful that children still get to have a childhood in Saunderstown, that they are encouraged to go barefoot all summer, to be outside all day with few in and out privileges, to climb on the rocky shore, to learn to swim and sail in the cold bay waters, to play tennis and climb trees and ride bikes with wild abandon, to cross neighbors yards in noisy tribes, declaring an ancient right of way gives them the right. I am even more hopeful that the Willett Free Library, my childhood sanctuary, remains a welcoming and treasured place for every kid in Saunderstown - a remarkable village comprised of a post office, a yacht club, a church and a library. Reading and learning and self teaching are earnest New England occupations, and the kind librarians of the 1960s thought very carefully of all of their patrons as they added each volume to inventory. I can still see Mrs. Taylor, one of my favorites, lovingly caressing a book, thinking of the homes in the village it would visit, knowing who should be sure to get it next. I can taste the excitement and anticipation on each dash to the library, trying so hard to remember to slow my pace to respectable library standards before going up the front stairs, not flinging the door open or letting it slam, to gently place the returning books on the counter, and to politely greet the librarian and fellow readers before diving into stacks. I am pretty sure the spirit is alive, as the website for the library says "Our flag depicts a sailing ferry built by Stillman Saunders. At his home, a "Circle for Mutual Improvement" was formed in 1885; the beginnings of this library. When the flag is flying, the WFL is open". I didn't know that the library started in somebody's house, but it is not surprising, as story hour and reading never began and ended at the library in my childhood; it was alive in the home of Anna and Winslow Ames, with Anna's loving story circles for carefully selected, well behaved children, at bedtime every night in almost every home, ...in books traded from one house to another....words have always been woven through the village, spoken and written, the Willett Free Library being just one of the many places where books were honored.

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!