I still love this library- very well kept up and great resources overall I took a really cool music industry class for free here- just a fantastic Downtown resource! Again- I just wish they were open later with extended hours. Clean bathrooms and nice drinking fountains to fill up your reusable water bottles... I will definitely be checking out more of their classes! *my go-to place to rent the newest movies and trendy books- they are the best! read more

Providence Public Library - machine down again - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I am proudly a public library nerd... for decades! And I love both of my local libraries: Providence Public Library & Warwick Public Library - Apponaug branch. PPL has an old Dewey Decimal Classification storage cabinet which they use for seed distribution in the spring. I'm so excited to try growing tomatillos! #LibrariesForTheWin read more

Providence Public Library - Free seeds - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Lately, I have been borrowing a few book from the main Library and the system is very easy to navigate. Basically you enter your library card number and you can create a list of titles that you are interested in. You can then place a hold on any of them if they are not on the shelf and they will let you know when your book is ready for pickup. Just go to the second floor and to the left of the information desk, there are self serve shelves with all the books ready to be picked up. I just looked for mine under my last name, check it out and I have three weeks to read it. Easy and free. read more

Providence Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Providence Public Library (PPL) has an annual day of giving to celebrate, support, and uplift the stories that happen at the Library and in our communities. PPL has been my go to library since I moved to Rhode Island in 2021, so I always donate to PPL when I can. By donating on the annual day of giving, PPL was giving some great prizes. The human who makes the very FIRST Give Day gift received a PPL Swag Bag and the human who makes the very LAST Give Day gift received a private movie screening for 20 in the Donald J. Farish Auditorium. I was the winner of the private movie screening for 20 in the Donald J. Farish Auditorium. Donald J. Farish Auditorium is on the 3rd floor in the library. PPL surpassed their $10k goal on the annual day of giving. I coordinated my event with Paris Fernandez, Events Coordinator, via e-mail. He was a pleasure to work with and very communicative. I chose a movie screening of My Neighbor Totoro and my friends had a great time. I was also able to bring pizza and drinks. Please continue supporting local public libraries! read more

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Gorgeous library with friendly staff! I was able to register and receive an Ocean State Library card at the front desk after filling out a form. read more

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The Providence Public Library offers a free 1-1/2 tour that is well worth your time. The new construction is impressive but, oh, I had no idea the original architecture was so gorgeous. The tour provides access to areas I think most of us would never normally see. I loved the fact they were able to retain some of the real marble and gold leaf. Our guide was knowledgeable and shared interesting stories and insights. You can reserve a space on the library website. read more

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This library is a great resource to local residents. They have all you need from books to movies and the catalogue is large especially if you go online to order specific titles in advance. They have so many resources including free classes and even music rooms. I especially enjoyed the Whale Guitar exhibit. Operating hours could be extended but I'm a fan of the public library in general. They seem to have a lot of events here including weddings and it's easy to see why with the array of beautiful rooms. Clean bathrooms and drinking fountains a plus. read more

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The reading room is cool and the materials are organized in a highly accessible way yet since renovation it's clear that the room is relatively limited in size, common room smells, and bathrooms are rejuvenation spaces for the homeless now. not sure why, but rhode Islanders are never expected to require such a city library. read more

Good service. Lots of books and videos. You can see things posted on a wall of things happening in the community.

Last week I was visiting the library to print some papers, and make copies, after i finished, I headed downstairs when I noticed it was POURING. I was standing bye the front desk going through all of the great classes and resources on the wall, killing time, waiting for the rain to stop. I was telling my mom that I couldn't meet her and that I forgot an umbrella unfortunately. So I had to head home, feeling disappointed, I went outside preparing to get soaked, all the sudden Jamiel the security guard ran outside and gave me an umbrella. I was so greatful! I appreciated that so much, it was very selfless, helpful, and thoughtful! Jamiel thanks for making my visit a positive experience, and I will deffinetly pass this act of kindness along to someone else and hopefully make their day to :). read more

Amazzzzzzinggggggg very helpful staff, and super clean place, great place to work or relax and read

Opulent and grand The Providence Public Library opened back in 1900 and is a great example of the golden age of library building. Inspired by the Venetian Renaissance style, the building is massive, elegant and a reflection of the end of the Gilded Age. It's actually difficult to appreciate the outside of the building because it is sprawling and the location makes it hard to really get a good view of the whole thing but once inside the care and detail of the workmanship because obvious. The library was mostly funded by a generous gift of over a quarter of a million dollars by the very wealthy John Nicholas Brown but ended up costly almost four hundred million dollars, an extraordinary sum at the time. The building is construction of huge blocks of granite with limestone trim and marble details. Wonderful and amazing staircase wind through the building and incredible detail is carved into the high ceilings. A fascinating place to just walk around and appreciate the beauty of the architecture and design. The library is a much museum as a place for books and has displays of various artifacts and art scattered about as well as an impressive local history and old book collection. Like most city libraries parking can be very iffy and because of it's size and shape the organization of materials is in an unusual and rather chaotic manner and it can be challenging to find things. These huge old libraries always have a lot of dead space so you might have to ask for assistance to find certain items. A wonderful library that was built in the days when aesthetics were just as important as pragmatism. When the actual building was just as important as what was inside. A beautiful library to be appreciated because libraries like this will never be built again. read more

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At a time when most libraries are trading in their images for "suburban coffee shop/library" this location stays true to its roots. I love reading a book in the stacks on the upper level. Nobody bothers me and I don't have to worry about moms with toddlers who think the library is a babysitter while they sip their lattes and talk about coach purses. I usually have to request books from other locations to pick up here, but this is by far my favorite Prov location. read more

A great big maze of books and history. I enjoyed wandering the stacks, looking through their selection of very new and verrrry old books of all varieties. They have a very large selection of dvds and cds as well. Clean bathrooms. Cozy reading rooms. Taking the stairs up and down the many stories of knowledge filled floors is a great way to kill time and stay warm when waiting on a table or before a play downtown. There is a really cool room (the Rhode Island room, I believe it was called), was a reading room but also had locked cabinets full of genealogy and history books from lil' Rhody along with other museum type documents and artifacts. Very cool. Libraries are always great for picking up a book or using the computer, but this library just felt like it had more going on than most. I could spend hours in the PPL, reading, perusing, and learning. Not to mention it is one of the few places downtown where you can utilize the facilities with out buying something. read more

This is the central branch and the closest branch to me, still I try not to frequent it because of the following issues. 1. Parking: Located right in downtown Providence, it is really hard to get a parking spot. When all I want to do is drop off a book and pick up a book (15 minutes max) it's not worth it to me to drive around and around looking for a spot and then have to feed the meter once I find one. 2. The way the DVDs are laid out is awkward. I would rather them stacked on a shelf, than having to flip through each little box. In general, the DVD selection is random and for the most part on the older side. 3. There is always a wait for computer usage. 4. The audio book selection is not that extensive. All of these problems stem from the fact that this library is frequented by a lot of people - which is not something that I want to see change, I just want the central branch of the Providence library to be equipped to handle this usage. Now, what I do like about this library is that it is walking distance from my house, and there are so many little tucked away spots that I can set myself up in to do work and not be bothered by anyone. I also like how the library puts together nighttime events (movies, speakers, etc). read more

For reading and borrowing books, this library can't be beat. I love how quiet it is, and I especially love the collegial feeling of the Great Room near the DVDs. There are a few factors that make this library less than convenient, but they're not likely to change. First is the parking situation. Not impossible, but sometimes tricky. Also, the only entrance (that I could find) is on Empire Street. It's a regular-sized double-door situation, but what about that grand-looking "entrance" on Washington St. with all the columns and gorgeous staircase? And last, the hours. I'm sure funding is tight, so they're just doing what they have to do, but the hours are so inconsistent that it's impossible to remember when it's open. read more

It's on the cusp of 4 stars. The 2 things hindering it from being 4 stars (or above) include [but are not limited to]: 1. Organization: DVDs, CDs, audiobooks are weirdly organized in a pseudo-alphabetical manner. You will definitely need the librarian's help. 2. Actual Service: This is a library so people don't expect good service. HOWEVER, it is still an institution so it is a business (NON-PROFIT). With that being said, I expect some good service, dammit! And not dirty looks when I smile and ask to check out a few books. Other than these two things, AMAZING! Quiet so it's a great place for some peaceful studying rather than going to a coffeeshop to study (seriously...douche). Collection of books could use a little update but...what are you gonna do? read more

I started using the library again after a 20 year hiatus. Nothing much has changed, but I see they no longer make you rummage through those dewey decimal files, they now have computers that tell you where the book is! Whoa. This library is old, dated, and unattractive. Well, the building on the outside looks old yet nice. But it works! They have a room with a bunch of public computers. Their hours are strange, it isn't a 9-5. More like a noon to 8pm. Just check the hours before you go there. They do have a drop off box outside and you can renew your books online (everyone else is probably used to that but it's been awhile for me). read more

Beautiful and historic space, but more importantly, a mission and staff that are 100% committed to serving the people of Providence.

I've been coming to this library for years! The staff is always pleasant and helpful often times going above and beyond when asked for any assistance. The free programs are fantastic, my children love story hour and the various Sunday classes for older children are great as well. Totally worth the trip downtown and spending a few dollars on a meter. read more

Great old library and amazing for events. Love the space and what all can be done with it. I almost was married here and have been to a few events here, and the staff and atmosphere is wonderful. read more

I was recently a ceremony musician for a wedding here, so my review is only for the venue. It is beautiful! Very classy with nice details that were just restored. What a cool place to have a wedding! The staircases and multiple levels certainly made for a dynamic ceremony and the acoustics were nice. The colors are pretty neutral and wouldn't limit your color scheme, so that's a plus for a wedding or whatever event happens to take place in the space. A cool spot I never would have guess existed because I'm used to looking at the less-than-classy facade of the Empire St. side. read more

I normally come here to use the computer to print shipping labels i like the flow of the building it comfortable and spacious i like the fact that there's no staffs around you will find them at the front desk one thing I think you guys should do is add a credit card machine in as a form of payment to print the customer service is ok. read more

Worst wedding venue ever! They kept the guests standing outside in the cold until the time on the invite; everyone was freezing! Additionally the venis very disjointed with dancing on a different floor than the reception. read more

There's something about walking into this building, it's like stepping back in time. I have been coming to the PPL since I was a small child. The building is such a beautiful, historic marble structure. There is on street parking and the library is right on the bus line as I remember riding the RIPTA there many times. Staff are friendly and helpful, suggesting books and searching and order other selections on a recent visit. The children's room has lots of activities and an array of play areas for youngsters. The library has varied hours and is a great place to visit on a weekend afternoon. Check out their website for a calendar of activities and events too. I love this library. read more

A nice historic building that is either ill-suited for the task of being Providence's central library or ill-utilized in its current state. Wings have been added/remodeled without consideration for the style of the original structure, creating a disjointed feel throughout. Some of the prettiest spaces are almost completely devoid of books (despite containing shelving and having plenty of room), while dim corners are crammed to the point of overflowing. The resources--from the collections themselves to the number of computer terminals--are quite limited (notable exceptions to this rule are the well-stocked children's library and the awesome collection of old records). The rather cold staff offers very little support in navigating the whole mess. At least the borrowing rules are fairly lax, allowing for a decent amount of material to be kept for a reasonable length of time. I'll be taking out my four records per week for as long as this library is around. read more

I have been coming to this library almost weekly since I moved to the city in 1978. The staff is amazingly helpful and I feel like I'm seeing family when I come in to get my books. I have also been here for a number of social events and the space is beautiful and makes a great venue. I'm not sure what kind of music the person who it one star had, but I've been there with music playing and even with my sensitive hearing never had my ears ringing. It's elegant and the music selected should suit the ambience and elegance of the venue. Whether it's reading an out of town newspaper, taking a computer class, or just sitting reading, this is a wonderful use of my tax and donation dollars! read more