The Providence Athenaeum

What an experience. To sit and read in a place this old, this filled with character, where some of the greatest have sat before! Easily the best part of my trip to Rhode Island

11.9.24 This is the cutest, most organized, compact, quaint little library we've been to. Most visitors who "pop-by" can't get enough photos because of the layout and the history it contains. It even gets closed /rented out for private events. It's free to visit and free street parking.

Beautiful place! I would come here every day if I lived in Providence. Reading room downstairs is very cozy. There's also a rotating small exhibition and they sell used books at reception. 10/10!

An absolutely beautiful place with a compelling history told through a self guided tour. They had an option to do the self guided tour on your phone (scan a QR code) or they have a laminated spiral book with large pictures. The building inside and out is a pleasure to look at, but actually walking through the building, up through the mezzanine level, and poking around through the hidden nooks is where the fun really is! The downstairs room with the rare book collection is locked but you can look through a glass door at some of the selections they have out for viewing. We spent about an hour here and I recommend finding a way to fit this stop into your visit to the area!

Really impressive! Self guided tour via phone or book. Really unique and quaint. Enjoyed learning about the history.