What a charming old library. While it is free to visit, there is a suggested donation of $5. When you 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. read more

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Came here with little to no expectations but it ended up being one of my favorite spots in the area. $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. read more

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There's nothing really "to do" per se, but still a great way to spend some time. Weekdays are a pay what you can model (they suggest $5). There were some old photos and some decor on display bye old card catalogs are cool. But the rare books are locked up. Maybe you can request admission but we didn't ask. Still fun to look at their collection - found some cookbooks we'd never heard of. The way they handle older copies with special bindings and boxes. Most libraries would take those out of the collection. Beautiful building. And helpful staff (we couldn't find the cookbooks). read more

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The Athenaeum is a historic library located on the iconic Benefit St in Providence! It's open to the public ($5 on weekends and $5 suggested donation on weekdays); memberships are available as well with other perks (events, reading groups, etc). We just walked around and browsed, but I'd love to come back to get some work done or read. There's free street parking around. 10/10 would recommend. read more

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What a beautiful library! I am so glad i finally came and checked it out. They have lots of books, movies, audio books and more both old and new. The space is absolutely amazing! A must see! read more

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This is a classic library on Benefit street with all the history throughout the building. It was nostalgic walking thru the floors. The library is free but they do take donations. They have books not found in your typical library but unfortunately you need a paid membership of about $125 for a year in order to check out books which is reasonable as some of these books are rare to find. They still have the pull out slots to find books and if you ask the librarian she with write out the section to find any specific title your looking for. I could go on and on with the special features they still have but it's something g to experience for one's self. One thing to note is they do not have air conditioning so keep that in MJ d otherwise a great space to sit read a book, study, catch up on news clips etc etc I will definitely recommend for its rich history alone read more

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This majestic library is located within walking distance of the heart of Providence. With its incredible architecture and design, this hidden gem is worth visiting! Upon arrival, you must check in at the visitor desk inside the door. Patrons may acquire memberships for frequent visits. This peaceful respite from the outside world is a welcome reminder of libraries from the past. Take time to quietly explore. You will come away changed for the better. read more

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What a cool gem in Providence! If you are not a member and just want to look around you can pay the suggested 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. read more

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The Providence Athenaeum is a quiet spot on this side of the river! This private membership library has a gorgeous interior that dates back to the early 1800s days of the town, giving it a wonderfully historic and cozy feel. The self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace with a tour pamphlet--just check in at the gift shop desk. You can glimpse through the windows to see where they work on the rare book collections too. It's the perfect spot to relax, study, or simply soak in the natural light atmosphere of this beautiful, timeless space. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a new library or looking for a quiet place to work! read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Must visit place! Historic building with good collection of books, on lower level sitting areas for reading.

Such an amazing space with some really cool history. Staff was very helpful and friendly, and the guided tour was a fun use of an hour indoors. Would love to come back and read on the cozy spaces sometime read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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This beautiful library is a haven of peacefulness and beauty in the middle of Providence's East Side. The chairs downstairs are a respite of tranquility and serenity for anyone to read, bring their music on headphones, etc The staff here is very helpful with any questions you might have. It's a great place to visit if you are a local or a tourist. Well worth the time spent here. read more

Such a wonderful place. I didn't know private libraries were a thing. All the history and character exudes from the building.

This place. Oh my goodness. One of the oldest libraries in the United States and it's absolutely stunning! When you go in you check in and they give you a self guided tour, which is well worth it. You find out so much history and find interesting nuggets about the library. It's so beautiful and I think I could've stayed for hours. I can't wait to return! read more

Providence Athenaeum - Inside - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The architecture is amazing, and just walking around the stacks is a really cool experience. Highly recommend stopping in for a bit, and maybe taking some time to read a book or a magazine in the basement to get the full experience. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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The Providence Athenæum was founded in 1836. Itis an independent, member-supported library located on Providence's historic Benefit Street. It's one of the oldest cultural institutions in Rhode Island, the Athenæum has welcomed famous writers, spirited thinkers, and engaged community members for almost 200 years, including Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman... The collections contain more than 175,000 items, including circulating materials, rare and beautiful volumes, and 19th-century artwork. Visitors are welcome to take one of three self-guided tours to learn more about the Athenæum's history, building and collections. However, today it was only opened two numbers. read more

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Beautiful library with self-guided tours. There's a suggested donation of $5 per person and they take credit card and cash. You have to check in by going to the office on the left hand side to get a sticker before you can walk around the library. There were plenty of members also studying/reading while we walked around and since it's so quiet, be mindful of your squeaky shoes. There's a mezzanine area as well as a downstairs part which houses the old artwork and some very comfy chairs. If you're just doing the self-guided tour, you could spend half an hour to an hour, depending on how in-depth you'd like to go. read more

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This is one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen and it's so underrated and understated I feel. It's small in stature, but contains so much character and is just so beautiful. You are allowed to go up the levels and explore all the little alcoves, as well as take in the exhibits they have on the main floor that rotate. If you're in the Providence area, this library is definitely worth a visit! It makes a lot of "best libraries across the country" kind of lists, so you won't want to miss it! I loved my time here and the Athenaeum's uniqueness will stay with me forever! read more

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If you like really old libraries, the aesthetic of the Athenaeum will definitely appeal to you. It's pretty dope. Just know that there is a "suggested" $5 donation at the front door. read more

It was a pretty cool library to check out in Rhode Island! We really appreciated the interior decoration/architecture as well as the multitude of books surrounding us. :) read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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is it beautiful and stunning? yes. did i feel welcomed here as a member? no and i terminated after 6 months. i enjoyed using the upper study areas and perusing often. i enjoyed borrowing books and communication via email to get them back. however i have not felt welcomed as a paying member nor have i ever felt warmth from the staff at the desks (with the exception of one nice woman i saw one time). so if you're stopping in to prov to see the history, def have a quick visit. wouldn't recommend the membership though, it was an awkward experience and the other perks didn't justify me continuing to come back ‍ read more

"Suggested" $5 donation on entrance. Part of me understands, but another part of me saw their member fees and thought wtf. I'm not quite sure how they get away with charging members and not being a public library. Friend who lives there said "because it's always been that way". Many things have "always been that way" until it wasn't. I know that's an extreme example, but come on. Over $100, I think $135 for one adult, $200 for a household. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful library, very unique and something to see while in the area. My problem is the price when you have an even more beautiful public library in Boston that is capitol F FREE. Lot of people fawning over it, but overrated in my opinion. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Absolutely one of the most astounding and special places that we have ever visited. A gem. A diamond in the ruff. We don't normally do reviews for these kinds of institutions, but we just had to spread the gospel about the Athenaeum. We arrived this morning shortly after opening to do the self-guided tour, having to divide and conquer: one parent took the kid to the incredible and lovingly curated children's section while the other one got to do the actual "tour",: which is really just following/reading the guidebook. The book is a helpful resource in terms of information, but doesn't orient you that well in the actual space. It would have been nice to have a "real" tour, but something is better than nothing. BEAUTY. The space is the architectural epitome of a museum, library, and academic building all put together. Everything is neat and carefully arranged and, simply put, lovely. You feel as though you are being hugged by books. Our little one thoroughly enjoyed herself in the kid's section, where there was a kind librarian, activities, and comfy chairs to sit and read in. It was a rainy day and the Athenaeum offered the perfect sanctuary. If we lived in Providence (and coming from Texas, we honestly wish we did), we'd become members and be here all the time, reading in the cozy room downstairs. What a jewel in this city's crown: five enthusiastic stars. read more

It's Free It's open to the public It's a great quiet space to study or get some work done What a beautiful building this place is! I highly reccomend stopping by if you are out walking around the city. Who knew so much history was behind those doors? To be honest, I am not much of a books person but there is so much to see you don't have to be. There is a downstairs level where on any normal day, you can escape reality and completely focus on whatever work or book you have with you. Leather chairs, plenty of table seating etc. They also use this space to host special events. I personally have been here for a baby shower and will be attending a wedding there this fall. Up the stairs you will find multiple levels of books. They have small desks where you can work solo overlooking the main part of the library. So much history, an incredible building and all for FREE! read more

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This is the 4th oldest library in New England and the 7th oldest in the country. It has a unique history and famous writers were also fans. Edgar Allan Poe frequented the library and courted Sarah Helen Whitman here, a poet, who also regularly visited this library. It's full of charm and would make a great place to study as many do in the lower level. It's free to visit (donations are welcome); be sure to do the self guided tour through the library to learn additional interesting facts. read more

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Very nice space in Providence that is quiet and historic. It is free to the public and would recommend stopping by even without doing the self-guided tour. They have a bottom floor with large tables that seems great for studying in a quiet space. It is not extremely large but nice to pop in to do work or walk around and enjoy the books for a couple minutes on your Providence trip. read more

Might I be a dork for a second? If you want to feel like the main character in a children's book whose parents took them on a the most boring vacation of your young life only for you to get trapped in an Athenaeum all night and discover that books and magic are real WELL have I got a spot for you! This place is truly beautiful. Even if you're not a huge book reader (be about that life tho fam reading is fundamental) you'll be absolutely caught up with the bones of this place. There are books and levels and a basement and couches and and and you feel like if you do so much as sneeze you'd break something or tear a page in a book. Great place for a date. Great place to take your mom. Great place to wander around and feel like you've traveled back in time, or to your extremely wealthy great grandfathers house. read more

The library is beautiful with tons of cozy places to work from or read. Parking is limited but I can always find something within a block or two. Make sure to check the website before going on Saturdays since they're semi often closed for private events. read more

Get ready for a ride on the way way way back machine. Beautiful library with more books than chairs. The Dewey decimal system is your friend here... Beware those who don't understand how it works. There are maybe 8 desks here for those of you looking to do work...so get here early if that's your game. My suggestion: Grab a copy of Ms. Marvel, get a desk on the second floor, and be amazed at the privilege of reading a book like that in a place like this. Thank me later. read more

Edgar Allen Poe The Providence Athenaeum is one spooky looking place. Built in 1838 in a blocky Greek Revival style it just sort of sits there looking imposing and unwelcoming. But once inside things change. Still spooky but in a cool way. This library is one of the very oldest in the country and was a favorite hangout of Edgar Allen Poe. Easy to imagine ol' Edgar prowling around this place thinking up weird stories to write. This is not a typical public library and is supported by private membership. Anyone can go in and look around and fondle the books but you need to pay for a membership to take out books and to access certain collections. Don't except to find the latest best sellers and trashy novels. This library has some really, really, old and classic books. Original editions that were written centuries ago. Some go back to medieval times. The décor is definitely old and spooky, no attempts to turn this into a modern and convenient library, which is a cool thing. Very narrow aisles in places and weird statues of old dead guys everywhere. Some tables and chairs and some funky old desks that look like they were taken from some ancient school combined with an occasional Victorian looking piece. A unique library that is one of the most special ones in the country. I've been to a whole lot of libraries and this is one that really stands out because there really is nothing else like it. Easy to see why Edgar Allen Poe loved this place read more

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One of the most wonderful, beautiful, and historic libraries in our country. The Athenaeum is the 4th oldest library in the country. Edgar Allan Poe was a regular. They have books that were printed a few decades after the invention of the (western) printing press. That's 1450, people! Before Columbus sailed the ocean blue! There are countless stories of rich history at this place. And, there are countless stories of rich history in this place. (See what I did there?) The nooks and crannies in this place are adventurous. The silence is often deafening. The history is refreshing. The structure is beautiful. Great spot to sit and read, study, or just walk the floors where a history of others have walked. I really want to check out the rare book room. I feel like it might be my heaven. Visit it. If you can, donate a buck or two. If you're daring, become a member. read more

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I'm working on my dissertation so I'm always looking for quiet places with a lovely ambiance to write and read. This place is both. I've been able to transcribe interviews here which is something I can't always do in loud coffee shops. They have lots of desks so you can sit and work, including individual desks and chairs that look out the many gorgeous windows. It's free to visit and they also host events regularly, including for kids. They have a room with children's books where kids can come and play too! No beverages or food here but it's easy enough to go down the street to get your fix at Bolt coffee after getting some work done! read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This library is worth it to check out in your next visit to Providence, Island! Never been in such a old, historical library before. Also very cool to visit a library that Edgar Allan Poe actually visited and checked out a book, a book we actually learned which was called Stanley from the librarian. Poe actually had a romance with a local woman here and she also checked out that same book after their relationship ended which I found very interesting. As we also noticed, many local students were studying here which I also thought would be a great, productive place to study in knowing about all the historical poets and philosophers who came before them. The best place for was the rare books room which also houses an artifact that Napoleon built on his travels to Egypt. We throughly enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of this place and what it represents to Rhode Island. The earliest books that first started coming here were from the late 1700's in London so what an incredible piece of history. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Library view from upstairs - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

This small, beautiful library has tons of character, from its Greek Revival architecture (circa 1838), to its busts of stern-looking dead men, to its colorful shelves, stuffed with classics like Audubon's Birds of America. The books are shelved in cozy nooks, with lots of spots to sit and read by a window. When we stopped in to take refuge on a recent rainy Saturday, it felt bright and inviting, with occasional giggles coming from the children's room. Recommended for book lovers or anyone with an appreciation for history. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I've never seen a library this perfect before in real life. The Providence Athenaeum is beautiful, and historic in all the right ways. High ceiling, wonderful stacks of books, metal staircases to the second level that overlooks the middle of the ground floor, hidden nooks with individual study desks or beanbag chairs, an old-school catalog in the front (now for display), and a downstairs for special collections. I could stay in this library the whole day and still be in awe that such a place exists. I felt the clock stop its hands once I stepped into this Athenaeum. It's such a breath of fresh air to step into such a charming time capsule (with updated books of course) and let all the worries of today's digital/social media age disappear altogether. read more

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If you ever get the chance please stop by this beautiful library. It seriously is like stepping into history. The set up is beautifully designed and being in the middle of all these books is like being in the middle of history, fairy tales, love stories, and life stories all at the same time. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The Providence Athenaeum was one of the highlights from our long weekend trip to Providence. This is a stunning library with a rich history conveniently located in the heart of the city. Stop along a walking tour of the canal area or Brown University. I was able to wander the main hall, the second floor walkways, all the hidden corners, and the lower level reading room to my content. This place is a bibliophile's dream or even the perfect place for a student to study. It's a great stop to capture some great photos and aborb the history that surrounds you in Providence. Tip: Easy street parking is availble in front for free up to 2 hours if the back lot is full. Highly recommend! read more

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As an old building with a lot of history and a Latinized Greek name, the Athenaeum could easily feel exclusive and austere. On the contrary, the two librarians were super welcoming and nice about letting me have my mug of tea (unlike the John Hay...). If you want to actually borrow books or take part in the classes/programming, you must have a paid membership (which is only $35 for students!), but anyone can walk in and enjoy the beautiful architecture. For a 180 year-old building, it has plenty of modern amenities, including free wifi, a bathroom in the basement, outlets at some of the desks, and lights (once candles) in every nook. There's also plenty of natural light coming in through the windows. I also really enjoy the way this library is set up. If you want privacy, you can retreat to a nook in the corners of the upper stacks, but if you prefer to see and be seen while you work, you can head to one of the nooks facing out from the balcony or on the first floor. There's also a good ratio of desks to armchairs for all your reading vs. writing needs. Then there's the basement level, which seems to have been renovated recently and sports a giant leather couch! Overall, the Providence Athenaeum is the perfect place to come if you want to study somewhere with coziness and character, but don't want to spend money at a coffee shop. read more

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As a lifelong bibliophile who's been known to shed a tear upon entering a library of impressive proportions (I recall a particularly embarrassing visit to the Prunxhall in Vienna), I can attest to the Providence Athenaeum's uncanny ability to take your breath away. This library is so much more than dusty books and dead poets (with all due respect to the purists). The fourth oldest library in the United States, it is a rich time capsule filled with centuries of literature and Providence's history. But the Atheaneum, so filled with ghosts and remnants of days long gone by, is also a living, breathing space. It is is staffed by an unbelievably smart and friendly group of people who are the Athenaeum's modern-day stewards; they will fascinate you with their boundless knowledge of all things popular and downright arcane. The exterior of the Athenaeum on the city's historic Benefit Street is the first thing that beckons you to come inside; but that is merely a shell for something so much greater inside - it defies description. The very best of the old world and the new meet here: walk along the creaky floorboards in this magical place, and you'll see grand wooden card catalogs filled with listings etched in spidery script; a team of ravens pointing the way through the highlights of a self-guided tour (this was after all, a favorite hangout of Edgar Allen Poe during his Providence days); the latest in fiction and non-fiction, as well as all of the beloved classics; and an incredible collection of art house, foreign and critically acclaimed films and television series on DVD. This is the only place in the city where you can feel the presence of prominent spirits while chatting with the city's current, foremost champions of the arts, culture and history. The Atheanaeum is a private library; so in order to enjoy the full Athenaeum experience, you must be a member. Members enjoy a robust series of salons and reading clubs, fantastic children's program offerings for young families, a popular and phenomenally challenging pub trivia night, and an annual gala that stands alone on the social calendar in terms of all-out literary fabulousness. Is membership worth it? Yes, dear reader, a thousand times yes. read more

I had to Google 'athenaeum' before my visit - turns out it's a place designed for learning, or a fancy way of saying library. Any book lover would go gaga at this beautiful little structure with its high ceilings, great natural light, and endless cozy spots to get some studying or pleasure-reading done. From big leather chairs downstairs to little tiny desk nooks upstairs by the windows, you're sure to find the perfect place to curl up with your latest read. Not sure how their book selection is but honestly to me the beauty is more about the space than the inventory. I'd be happy bringing my Kindle here with my latest book to be surrounded by wonderful old books and architecture. read more

Providence Athenaeum - Amazing space! - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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