providence athenaeum

The Athenaeum is not your average library- you can tell from the moment you walk in and find a bowl of doggy treats on the front desk. Your pet is welcome here, because they know you will want to stay a while. I have had the pleasure here of conducting picture book workshops, and there is something magical about the children's section- the cozy book lined walls and old polished wood seem to bring out a reverence for literature and a desire to become part of the creative process. If you venture into the archives, you will find rare books that will make your mouth hang open in awe. There are rumors that the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe walk the creaky floorboards at night and looking at the intricate detail of the walls and ceilings, the twists and turns of the paths between the shelves, you believe it. Please ask the librarians about the Anthenaeum's illustrious history. They are delighted to fill you in.So- the next time this beautiful marble exterior beckons you from Benefit Street, take a chance, take a turn and walk up the wide welcoming steps. This is a building that will haunt your dreams- in the best way possible.

This member driven library is a historic area of Providence, across from the Supreme court, and absolutely majestic, with several floors, filled with books of every kind and custom lighting.Various parts of the facility are available for rent and we found using the facility to be a conversation piece for a book event. Staff were efficient and friendly.

What I enjoyed the most was the friendly helpful staff. There is a marked self tour with lots of interesting twists, fun way to share information about the building. Highly recommend taking the time to check it out!

This character filled library is like stepping back in time. I doubt much has changed since it was new and they like it that way.It has become a place of pilgrimage to visit the bust of the famously reclusive RI writer, HP Lovecraft.

The self-guided tour is a fun pit stop on your walking tour of Providence. Book nerds and literary enthusiasts will get a kick out of the historical relevance and stacks.

We had already had this on our list after seeing the photo in the June 2014 Architectural Digest and just stumbled upon it. Inside, I thought "oh my God, I'm on the set in The Music Man for Marian the Librarian!". Thrilling, in a ssshhh way. Charming, inspiring, hushed. Lovely special children's area. Unless you're going to sit and enjoy the books, it will be a fairly quick in and out, but well worth the visit.

Beautiful library. Old fashioned card catalogue, some of the entries handwritten. Could have spent all day here.

Lovely, old style library set amidst the most historical setting in Providence. It was definitely a set back in time for me.

They had such great books and as an avid reader I didn't want to leave. I love to walk around and explore and I never went to an Athanaeum before. It's very quiet and I love that.

Nice place to visit iff you like libraries. Is somewhat small but it breaths books and history. You can walk in free of charge.

Great library with great collections. Several activities that are open to the public and a fairly active children's library. It is truly a lovely library!

Someone said "A further reason to visit the Athenaeum is to see the bronze bust of H. P. Lovecraft there by by Bryan Moore of Arkham Studios. It was unveiled in August 2013,"They declined to mention he is a Rev. in the Church of Satan so I hardly think that part of this great destination is something to celebrate!

The children's space is wonderful and separate from the rest of the library so you are not as worried about your children disturbing other patrons. Staff is wonderful and I love the playroom with blocks, art supplies and other fun stuff. My 4 year old loves it here and so do I. Something about a historic, classic library just makes me happy.

This is a library as libraries should be, with rows of old and new books and periodicals, knowledgeable librarians, and nooks where you can curl up and read. The Friday afternoon Salons are a signature Providence event. It's member-supported but open to the public (though only members can take books out).

We came to explore the downtown area and stopped at this library for a brief visit. The building was completed in 1838. The interior is unique and full of character. Even though it takes a short amount of time to walk through the library, I enjoyed the beautiful architecture, especially the second floor. You can easily imagine the experience of 19th century library patrons in this wonderful piece of history.