So cool. I'm a sucker for old buildings. Second oldest library in the country I believe. Neat place to check out

Across the street from the RISD Museum is this beautiful old (one of the first in the nation) library. Plaster busts crown old wooden stacks filled with the most eclectic, well curated library collection filled with treasures. The children's library is excellent. You may browse to your hearts content but you must be a member to borrow materials. Selfishly I... More

If you are walking around the East Side, definitely stop in this building. It is beautiful building, with tons of history and the architecture is so impressive, along with everything that fills it- the books!

This is your grandmother's library, complete with card catalog (with some hand-written entries). Comfortable reading room and very interesting programs if you happen to catch one; there's a self-guided tour of the building that could be done in 10 minutes. A nice place to take a break after the RISD museum (across the street.)

I loved browsing the shelves of this ancient library. Knowing Edgar Allen Poe read here too was very exciting.

Go there and browse their collections. The staff is very inviting and the atmosphere is simply serene. More to read than one can do in a lifetime, with a range of materials from the historic to the current.

The Athenaeum, a handsom grey stone building in severe Greek revival style facing the state court house, is the oldest private library in the United States, and visitors can read books but not take them out. They have wonderful programs for children of various ages, and it's a great place to sit and read. I think is a place to... More

I absolutely adored this library. The Providence Athenaeum was built in 1836 and is the fourth oldest library in the country! The history is apparent in the layout of the library, the old volumes lining the shelves, and the handwritten card catalog. If you have an appreciation for books and history then I highly recommend stoping here and peeking around.... More

Disappointing to see it was closed. Sign said it is closed from August 6 - 19, 2012. I wish I knew before coming.