Top Things to do in Rhode Island
What to do and see in Rhode Island, United States: The Best Libraries
With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island
1. Warwick Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By barryn680 - Coventry, United States
a great,large,well organized building. Great for the entire family. great kids section and a great section where you can go into a private small room to do work or class work with friends. PC heaven and the new book section is great. As is the area for large print books.I need that and it is outstanding. They have meeting rooms and classrooms and have special events.This is a true class place.good parking in back. Yes,they have security in case you think it is needed. I never have seen any problems here.
2. Cranston Public Library, Central Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By Lorig1294
Always friendly , always computers available , always clean! Great , local library. Lots of space good parking and convenient hours.
3. Redwood Library & Athenaeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Chartered in 1747, the Redwood Library & Athenæum is a museum, rare book repository, the nation's oldest public Neoclassical building and the oldest operating lending library still in its original structure. Designed by Peter Harrison and built in 1750 the library contains over 200,000 titles in its Circulating and Special Collections, another 751 titles forming the Original Collection which were purchased by the founders, and an exceptional collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century portraits by such artists as John Smibert, Robert Feke, Charles Bird King, and Gilbert Stuart. In addition there is a range of sculpture, furniture, and decorative arts. Lectures, gallery talks, and musical events are scheduled throughout the year, and unique gift items and used books are available in the gift shop. Tours given Monday through Friday at 10:30am and 2:00pm, Saturdays at 10:30am.
Reviewed By kaitlino454
The librarian was very resourceful and did a great job providing us with a brief history and answering the questions we had about the space. Admission is free for Ocean State Library card holders. Otherwise a $10 fee is charged to enter.
4. Providence Athenaeum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
The Providence Athenæum is an independent, member-supported library and cultural center located on Providence’s historic Benefit Street. Over its nearly 200 years of existence, the library has welcomed illustrious writers, spirited thinkers, and energetic community members through its doors to engage in reading, conversation, and debate. At its heart, the Athenæum encourages a love of reading and learning to all. Free & open to the public.
Reviewed By 349cynthiae - Boston, United States
Inside this beautiful building is a world of real books (complete with card catalogue!) and helpful docents. The architecture and decor would be worth a visit; the rare books collection astonishing. The shelves are filled with books, some familiar, others waiting to be explored. The Raven tour (Edgar Allan Poe was a visitor) is fun and informative. Throughout the year, special events are offered to members. Easily worth the price of admission to membership!
5. Rhode Island Historical Society Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Maintained by the Rhode Island Historical Society, the library holds the largest and most important historical collections in existence relating to Rhode Island. The RIHS Library houses some 5,000 manuscripts, 100,000 books and printed items, 400,000 photographs and maps, 9 million feet of motion-picture film.
6. John Hay Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JohnBJ_13 - Providence, United States
Named for Abraham Lincoln's secretary of state, the John Hay Library is Brown University's special collections library. When you enter the lobby you come face to face with a HUGE book of Audubon's paintings of American birds, and the treasures keep going on from there, including a First Folio of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets and an extensive collection of Gorham sterling silver tableware. The John Hay also houses such varied collections as one of both Right Wing and Left Wing books and pamphlets, first editions of American poems and plays, and more than 140,000 pieces of sheet music of American popular songs, one of the largest repositories of American popular music anywhere, including the Library of Congress.
7. Island Free Library
8. Cranston Public Library, Auburn Branch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
9. Cranston Public Library, William Hall Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By barryn680 - Coventry, United States
everything you need in a public library this place has it. A staff of great library people run this very nice,clean place. well maintained and the books are all up to date. Well laid out. computers are fairly new and away from most people for secure reasons. A good reading area. good parking area.
10. Cranston Public Library, Oak Lawn Branch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
TAGS
