Used their computers and printers to print a doc from my Dropbox account. Helpful and knowledgeable…read moregentleman at the information desk got me sorted.

Time to retire…read more The Essex Public Library is a cool looking stone library that isn't very large. Built like it could last forever, unfortunately or perhaps fortunately it won't. At least not as a library. The cool looking stone part is fine but the isn't very large part is what dooms it. I'm sure it will survive as something, it is just to cool looking to destroy, but it's library days are almost gone. The library was built back in 1939 and the massive stone walls survived whatever nature could throw at it with ease. Cozy and very pleasant inside, the venerable old library just could expand no further. Just no more room to put computers and other new necessitates. So it was decided to build a new library that is much larger, more convenient, more user friendly and much more modern. It is scheduled to open in 2014. The old library is not very easy to get into, steep stairs get slippery in the rain or snow and it must be difficult for anyone with a handicap to manage. The library is wonderful once you manage to get in, cozy, comfy, with a great sense of history. The stairs down to the kid's department has a fantastic mosaic covering both walls. Absolutely stunning to look at, I hope this somehow makes it to the new library. Yeah, a new library is needed and will serve the community much better. But seeing this building retired will still be sad. Hopefully it can be turned into some type of museum or educational edifice. Time passes and the old fade into the mists of time and the new takes over. Doesn't matter if it's a building or a person, time will always have it's way.

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

A school house to a…read more library. The Louttit library is the main library in the town of West Greenwich but actually started life as a one room school house. A simple place built in 1936 with no running water or central heat. There were four of these one room school houses in town that finally closed in 1950 when a more modern facility was opened. Since the town didn't have a real library it was decided to use one of the schools for this purpose so the diminutive building was rededicated as a library in 1951. The Louttit family, who donated money for the project, decided that the library would be more useful in the center of town so it was moved to it's present location in 1978. Of course now the building has running water and central heat and all the things a modern library has. In fact it has grown quite a bit since it's humble origins. The library was expanded in 1988, 1992 and then again in 1998and now is a sprawling building with a great community room and other additions that add greatly to it's volume and use. Even though the library is much different from the original schoolhouse, if you look carefully you can still see remnants of the past. Coat hooks and blackboards still exist and a great old bell that still rings is in the tower. Pretty cool stuff. The best part of our visit to this library was meeting the director, Elsie Palmgren Oltedale. She graciously took us around on a tour of the library and explained all the modifications of the building and discussed the history with us. She actually went to school at the old schoolhouse and talked about how life was back then. She is responsible for the progress and growth of the new library and has the new community room named after her. Definitely a deserving honor because Elsie epitomizes everything good about a library and a librarian. The Louttit Library is a useful and modern facility that hasn't lost it's history or roots. It's a great place to read or to just walk around and absorb the history of the building. As pleasant as seeing the library was the real treat was meeting and talking to Elsie. Librarians just don't get any more wonderful than her.

Great Staff, good reads, sweet location!read more

A room for reading…read more The very first library in the Arlington section of Cranston was founded back in 1895 and held about 500 books. Since then five other libraries have sprang up around the Cranston area and although the Arlington one remains the smallest it still manages to survive. Although technically a library they call it a reading room since it is so small and quaint. It holds about 4,000 volumes but the actually amount varies quite a bit. Reading room is actually a good name because it is just one room, and not even a very large one room at that. Everything is smushed together out of necessity and a person has to navigate carefully around the books and other people. The small library is actually just a room sort of connected to the Senior Center but really is a separate entity and is officially part of the Cranston Library System and can borrow material from all the other libraries. The nice librarian told me that the reading room is mostly used by local seniors and kids but gets a lot of traffic. Probably the smallest and least impressive visually of all the libraries I've seen. However that doesn't mean it is any less important or valuable that any of the other far larger or aesthetically appealing buildings. This library is a very important part of the community and I'm sure the local seniors and kids that can't easily get tot he other libraries consider this small room very special.

I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year. This…read morelibrary was the fourth one I visited, but this time with a friend who grew up in Woonsocket. She mentioned they had new furniture such as the big personal armchairs. I really liked that at the back of the library they have lots of natural light coming in through the windows and lots of plants right below. I was also entertained by the book they had with maps of all the cities in Rhode Island--I was able to find my house and see the landmarks they had years ago and are still around today. They have a good selection of books and movies. The outside of the building looks really nice and there is plenty of parking.

A moment in…read moretime The Woonsocket Harris Library was the very first library in the state of Rhode Island. It was built in 1868 and occupied the bottom floor of the old Harris Building. The library was founded by Edward Harris and Abe Lincoln actually gave a famous anti slavery speech in this building in 1860. It became obvious that the venerable old library was far to small to meet the needs of the people of Woonsocket so a new library was built in 1973. A much more modern facility that was extensively renovated in 2001, the library is clean, friendly and very efficient. Not the fanciest or most aesthetically beautiful library but the Harris Library does posses it's own unique charm. Nicely laid out and spacious, it has more of a small town library feel rather than one in a city. On the side of the library is a time capsule and monument meant to be opened in about one hundred years. I'm not sure what exactly was put in the capsule but I suspect the contents will give a good chuckle to the future library patrons that happen to be around when the capsule is finally opened.

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.

Fruits veggies and…read morelibraries I went to a high school that was called the William H. Hall high school so when I saw this library was also named after William H. Hall my curiosity was aroused. Turned out this is a different guy but he still was an interesting fellow. William was a poor kid that started out selling fruits and veggies and along the way gathered a fortune. Before he died he decided he wanted to built a library so in 1927 this stunning building was constructed. It looks like a cool old mansion on the outside and is dripping with charm and charisma. The inside it beautiful too, with paintings, antiques and all kinds of cool things to look at. Definitely one of those libraries that is more art gallery than a place for books. The staff was very friendly and let us look around and answered all my stupid questions. It of course has a whole lot of books, including some cool old ones. And or course it has all the modern amenities now expected in a community library. This William H. Hall might not be the same guy that my high school was named after but he definitely was an impressive individual that built one great library.

This is my childhood library. I have seen it change only for the better over time. I grew up at…read morethis library. I owe everything I am today to this library.

Fantastic library- I must admit I often go here to fill up my water bottle and check what they have…read moreon the "new" shelves. I also like to pick up the free local papers. Mostly I order books and movies ahead of time for pick up. Fantastic staff and resources- should have extended hours being in Downtown Providence. Lots of resources in a great community.

Dear Library, You…read moreare perfect! Fantastic programs, community involvement, wonderful librarians, and amazing selections! Just extend open hours- please and thank you. Stay open later if you can because we luvvvvvv you! *TIP: order what you want ahead of time and they will ship it to the library of your choice!