If you’re in RI and looking for things to do, why not visit a local library? In this article, we’ve featured 10 top public libraries in Rhode Island.
1. Providence Public Library
The Providence Public Library has been open to the Providence community since 1875.
The library offers a number of educational resources. The library’s website has digital collections via its website on a number of historical events, such as a photography collection based out of Providence. The library has a computer room for patrons to access computer services and there’s Wi-Fi available throughout the library. There is a Children’s Room at the library, as well as a Teen Loft. There’s an online catalog for people to browse through before heading out to the library. There are a number of programs available to the public, including Book Clubs. The library also has facility and meeting room rentals.
Contact the library if you have any questions.
2. East Providence Public Library – Weaver Library
The Weaver Memorial Library serves the community of East Providence, Rhode Island. It first opened to the public in 1871. The building’s current location underwent renovations in 2010.
People can attend a number of educational programs and classes, such as Tech Tutorials, for people to learn more about computer software and devices. The library also offers meeting room reservations for public gatherings. The library updates its calendar of events on a regular basis, so be sure to check it out periodically. Kids can browse books and more educational materials in the Children’s Room. The library hosts teen programs and features Young Adult book recommendations. There’s an online library for people to check out eBooks at anytime.
Contact the library if you want to know more.
3. Greenville Public Library
Greenville Public Library can trace its roots back to 1882 when it served the Greenville community as an association library.
There are a number of services hosted by the library, including computers that have Microsoft programs and Wi-Fi. Printing and photocopying are also available for a fee. There is free access to Wi-Fi. There are also meeting rooms available for people to reserve. There are a number of book clubs the patrons of the library can attend. There’s a Children’s Room at the library that hosts regular events. Teens can also take advantage of resources and programs hosted by the library. People can also look through online research databases for historical reference and writings.
Contact the library if you want more information.
4. Newport Public Library
The Newport Public Library started in 1865. Its founding members are Sophia Louis Robbins, who was a poet, and Daniel Parish, a person who visited Newport regularly. It was called the Newport Free Library and Reading room back then to distinguish it from private libraries.
The library offers a number of services, such as computers and Wi-Fi. There are also meeting rooms that people can reserve. The library also hosts a program called Maker Lab, which includes a studio. The lab has a number of equipment for library patrons to take advantage of, such as 3D printers. People can stay up to date on the library’s events online. There are also printing services available at a price. The library also hosts a variety of programs for kids such as stratum. There are also a number of resources available for teens in the library and online.
Contact the library for more information.
5. Barrington Public Library
The Barrington Public Library can trace its roots back to 1806 as the Barrington Library Society. The first librarian and one of the first founders was named as Reverend Samuel Watson. The library underwent renovations in 2017.
The Barrington community can take advantage of a number of services offered by the library. There are free study rooms for patrons to reserve. People can also access Wi-Fi and computers. People can also borrow a number of technological devices, such as Roku machines. There is an online catalog for people to browse through if they cannot make it to the library. There are kids and teen resources available. There’s also an eLibrary for people to check out virtual books, movies, and more.
Contact the library for more information.
6. Coventry Public Library
Coventry Public Library has a mission to “Educate, Entertain, and Enrichen” the Coventry community of Rhode Island.
There is free Wi-Fi at Coventry Public Library. People can view the online catalog to see what’s in circulation. There’s a kids’ section of the library that manages and hosts a number of resources for kids, parents, educators, and caretakers. Teens can also take advantage of a number of programs, such as homework help. Adults can take part in book discussion groups. Stay up to date with their event calendar.
Contact the library for more information.
7. Middletown Public Library
The Middletown Public Library has been a mainstay for the Middletown, Rhode Island community.
The library offers a number of services for its patrons. People can use a computer for up to three hours or use their free public Wi-Fi at any time. The library also allows patrons to borrow fishing equipment, such as poles and tackle boxes. There is also a Community Garden at the library, where people can volunteer to take care of a garden box. The library also offers a variety of online resources for jobs and more. The library has a children’s and teens section. Stay up to date by viewing their event calendar.
Contact the library for more information.
8. Portsmouth Free Public Library
The Portsmouth Free Public Library started as an idea from a group that met weekly at a church. The library opened in 1897 after the town approved a charter to open a public library.
The library offers a range of services such as eBooks and more. There are also rooms available for rent. There are a number of computers available for patrons along with free Wi-Fi. There are more than just books to rent, as the library offers fishing pools, maker kits, and even a telescope. The library hosts a number of programs and events which are updated on the library’s online calendar.
Contact the library for more information.
9. Rogers Free Library
The Rogers Free Library is located in Bristol, Rhode Island and is named after Robert Rogers, who, at the time of his death, was the wealthiest person in Bristol. His wife donated the library building in his honor in 1877.
People can use the library’s computers and Wi-Fi. There are also scanners and printers available for patrons. There are several children’s programs along with a number of resources. Teens can also take advantage of a number of programs the library offers. The library also offers historical and educational references for the public to access. People can stay updated with the library’s events by viewing their online calendar.
Contact the library for more information.
10. George Hail Free Library
The George Hail Free Library began as a reading room in 1871 and served people in the community of Warren, Rhode Island. The library was officially named as the George Hail Free Library after Martha Hail contributed funds to build a library to be named after her late husband.
The library offers a range of services, including a number of devices and kits that go beyond books. There are also public computers and free Wi-Fi. There are book discussion groups as well. Kids and teens can also take advantage of a number of programs, including a story hour.
Contact the library for more information.