The Providence Athenaeum in North Providence

One of my few regrets in life is not becoming a member sooner!

Its an old historical library, worth a visit if you like old and quiet places shelved with books. There are three floors, a small bathroom in the basement, main floor and 2nd floor where youd find a semi enclosed place for writing and studying stepping over the crackling wood floor. They used to be free to visit. Now they really suggested a $5 donation. Technically people are still welcome to visit without a fee.

The staff is superlative! Amazing rare book collection, beautiful & comfortable reading room. A must visit! Open to public.

Beautiful place! There is no entrance fee but a donation of $5 is recommended. Wonderful place that we spent about an hour in. Definitely something to visit when you’re in providence!

super radhas a nice gift shop and does recommend a visitor fee to entersupport your local library

Beautiful!Although much smaller than expected.

Amazing library and a piece of history. Worth your time.

So many neat things about this library. Great kids section, too. Wish I would have done the free audio tour.

This is a pretty cool historical library. I came for the self guided tour but several rooms are for members only, even sitting down at a desk is reserved for members. And the rare book room was for staff only, the lights werent even on to look inside. Its very stuffy inside when its hot out.I was surprised that you have to pay to be a member when almost every other library around is completely free. If you are under 35 you get a lower rate ($65- Im not sure why older people have to pay more. The membership "benefits" are what you get for free at any other library. The tour information even said that there are very few membership libraries left since they were turned into public libraries and made totally free for the community. I wish this place would do the same and make it more accessible.

Quaint old building. Good childrens area.

Very casual, self guided tour. Amazing art, history and books. Amazing place to visit.

Disappointed.Came here to view the bust of H.P. Lovecraft and found that it had been removed from public display, and put in storage. When I asked why the bust was removed I was told “to protect it because of its age.” (It was made in 2013).A lot of money was raised and donated for the creation of that item, and to have it placed in storage after less than 10 years is disrespectful to the donors.When I expressed disappointment I was shown a picture of the bust in a binder.

Amazing library to visit. Take a break and entire a library rich in history and literature

Great place for intimate event ❤️

Beautiful library with self-guided tours. There’s a suggested donation of $5 per person and they take credit card and cash. You have to check in by going to the office on the left hand side to get a sticker before you can walk around the library. There were plenty of members also studying/reading while we walked around and since it’s so quiet, be mindful of your squeaky shoes.There’s a mezzanine area as well as a downstairs part which houses the old artwork and some very comfy chairs. If you’re just doing the self-guided tour, you could spend half an hour to an hour, depending on how in-depth you’d like to go.

One of our favorite places in Providence. The staff is friendly and helpful and it’s definitely worth a visit. We also love that it is dog friendly.

Providence Athenaeum sinks me into my curiosity. Helpful librarians and fascinating, unique collections, especially travel-history!

I was invited here to the Athenaeum four or five years to hear about a book author and get a book signing. It was very calming, interesting, warm, the staff was very friendly, and the smell of books filled me up with old memories from back when I stood in my grandpas old studio/library (he had a vast collection of old, preserved books, magazines, postcards, and more), in other words I felt like I was back at home. I look forward to visiting again and reading though their collection.

In these days of indefatigable science and redoubtable art, the proposition has been advanced (and believed by manythat there is no absolute truth which to my mind begs the question: is that absolutely true? As in much else, perhaps the library can elucidate...

Closed to public. Really wanted to see it. 2 months ago they were supposed to open to public. We are from California so kinda bummed.Will update whenever we return and they decide to stay open for everyone.

Still closed to the public as of October 1, 2021 - despite a comment from staff a few months ago that they would be open to the public in August. Not sure what their hesitation is given everything else is back open. Its really simple - wear a mask, wait 6 feet, and wash your hands. No excuse to still be closed.

Arguably my favorite historic location that I viewed while in Providence besides Brown University. Downstairs painting of George Washington alone is worth the visit.

I’d avoid.I came from the University of Oxford and they wouldn’t let me in.The city is open but they refused.Edit: Well Im glad its now mentioned here as well.

Such a beautiful stop with friendly staff. I was just passing through Providence and felt I should make a quick stop by here. Im very happy I did. So many cool old books. Walking through the creaky floors while exploring the aisles was a great way to spend my time.

Beautiful place but I will leave a one star review if they take down lovecrafts bust. The king of cosmic horror doesnt deserve that treatment.

Temporarily closed, can’t wait to open back up

I have never been there but as a Fan of H.P .Lovecraft I would like to visit one day but dont give in to the mob mentality of left I am latino and I can care less of the mans view but he was a great story teller if it wasnt for him i wouldnt enjoy reading as much after reading his collection of short stories

Getting married in a library usually means you can wander among the books, but you actually have to use a completely different space for your ceremony. Here, you actually have your ceremony in the stacks! A book lovers dream!You can have both your ceremony and reception here and I have seen 2 weddings with around 100 guests fit well. I dont know if you could honestly fit many more guests though comfortably.The Athenaeum allows you to take photos almost anywhere in the library and is very responsive and accommodating- its not like one of those massive "wedding factories". They dont do many weddings, so its a lot more relaxed.The reception area/dance area is broken up downstairs by the stairs coming down in the middle of the room, so you can easily divide dinner from dancing. However, neither space is particularly large so you *can* dance and do the hora, but its narrow.If you have any guests with mobility issues, there are a lot of stairs both getting into the venue, going down to the reception area, etc. But they do have entrances that are accessible but youll need to think ahead to make it run smoothly.

Wonderful old library, with ancient bookstacks and creaky floorboards everywhere!

Fabulous. Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft

A really cool working library...reminds me a little of the library at Trinity College.Definitely a great place to stop over and browse while in the area.

FREE library that holds old intellectual books from various authors.Very quiet good place to study and wifi is free. However no food or drinks are allowed.

Love it here! If I lived here this would be my second home. Creaky, beautiful, atmospheric, odorific! Some greats have spent time here and you can still feel their presence.

If you enjoy the smell of old books and the character of beautiful old buildings, youll love this place. Incredible ambiance, splendid architecture and artwork ensconce books of all varieties. They allow the public to enter for free. While you do need to be a member to borrow books, its certainly worthwhile to support such a great community resource. Parking is a bit tight as with everywhere else on the East Side of Providence.

Exquisite, visually stunning! Great ambiance and a perfect place to read. And the story about Edgar Allan Poe & Sarah Helen Whitman, need I say more? Tips, visit when the lights are on (after sunset)...

Wonderful library with great history. I have attended two salons recently. Highly recommend.

Beautiful and interesting building, especially the inside. The staff was very nice, ready to answer questions about the history and gave us a few extra fun facts.

This is my favorite library. Cozy, cleanly, and consistently filled with all types of literature! Enjoy roaming the stacks or ask a librarian for help finding something specific. This is a members-only library in that you cannot take out a book unless you are a member. However, browsing, reading and utilizing the space is open to the public.

Fantastic. Wish I had more time to spend there.

A library like none other. A must see if you are in the Providence area.

Great place to come every afternoon to read!

Well preserved collections with a very amicable staff

This library oozes charm and whimsy. Its the kind of place Ive only ever imagined existing in the past, but preserved beautifully to this day. I cant wait for my next visit!

Im not a member here but it was fun visiting. Lots of character and it was fun to just walk around and take in the atmosphere.

Absolutely incredible and fantastic. Would recommend for anyone in the area to stop and walk around the building! One of the most beautiful, well-preserved and functioning libraries Ive ever seen. I love the mix of busts, old card catalogues, and new releases!

This imposing building houses the oldest, private book lending collection in the country.

The Providence Athenaeum was one of the highlights from our long weekend trip to Providence. This is a stunning library with a rich history conveniently located in the heart of the city. Stop along a walking tour of the canal area or Brown University.I was able to wander the main hall, the second floor walkways, all the hidden corners, and the lower level reading room to my content. This place is a bibliophiles dream or even the perfect place for a student to study. Its a great stop to capture some great photos and aborb the history that surrounds you in Providence. Tip: Easy street parking is availble in front for free up to 2 hours if the back lot is full. Highly recommended!

This is a gem in Providence. It may not be a top attraction, but worth stopping in if you are in the area. Its amazing to have such an old, unique institute tucked away in the shadow of Brown. Go up to the second floor on the north side and see a more than century old desk from the Capitol!

Great place to study and do work.

This is a special place, one to be counted among Providences array of great institutions. Not only is it a fine way to catch up on most periodicals and newspapers, or discover a recently published book, it has an inspired series of programs and events. The Friday "salon" series is particularly interesting, and many (mostof them are free and open to the pubic. The Athenaeum is no longer the home of stuffy bibliophiles, and makes a point of engaging with the community.