The Providence Athenaeum

Like all librarians, I visit libraries on vacation. This one is so lovely that it made me want to move to Providence and work there! It was a perfect example of how one library can preserve the deep, unique history of a place, retain the absolute best and most important monographs on a topic, and still provide the latest best sellers and newest children's books. Extraordinary special collections, stacks of daily newspapers, and a gallery space...just amazing. Special shoutout to the reference section! These librarians know that reference books are more exciting and illuminating than any Google search. Plus, you can bring your dog in!

The most beautiful library I have seen! A huge selection of books on all three levels. Exploring around is very fun!

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 the most magical feeling small libraries I have ever visited! This was the highlight of my day in Providence touring around the city. The top level has book nook areas with single style desk seating facing the windows that overlook the outside views. These areas are dreamy but reserved only for members which was a little disappointing seeing how beautiful the spaces were, but unoccupied and not being utilized by anyone at the time of my visit. Downstairs, I spent a couple hours reading on the lower ground level floor that felt cozy amongst other visitors that were studying or reading books in a public area that anyone could access and enjoy with comfortable seating options available. On street parking was available. I’d definitely come back again.

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 weren't even on to look inside. It's very stuffy inside when it's 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) - I'm 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.

It's 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 you'd 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.

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)...

A beautiful and blissful space. So glad I visited

The architecture is amazing, and just walking around the stacks is a really cool experience. Highly recommend stopping in for a bit, and maybe taking some time to read a book or a magazine in the basement to get the full experience.

The Providence Athenæum was founded in 1836. Itis an independent, member-supported library located on Providence's historic Benefit Street. It's one of the oldest cultural institutions in Rhode Island, the Athenæum has welcomed famous writers, spirited thinkers, and engaged community members for almost 200 years, including Edgar Allan Poe, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bronson Alcott, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman... The collections contain more than 175,000 items, including circulating materials, rare and beautiful volumes, and 19th-century artwork. Visitors are welcome to take one of three self-guided tours to learn more about the Athenæum's history, building and collections. However, today it was only opened two numbers.

This is one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen and it's so underrated and understated I feel. It's small in stature, but contains so much character and is just so beautiful. You are allowed to go up the levels and explore all the little alcoves, as well as take in the exhibits they have on the main floor that rotate. If you're in the Providence area, this library is definitely worth a visit! It makes a lot of "best libraries across the country" kind of lists, so you won't want to miss it! I loved my time here and the Athenaeum's uniqueness will stay with me forever!

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.

is it beautiful and stunning? yes. did i feel welcomed here as a member? no and i terminated after 6 months. i enjoyed using the upper study areas and perusing often. i enjoyed borrowing books and communication via email to get them back. however i have not felt welcomed as a paying member nor have i ever felt warmth from the staff at the desks (with the exception of one nice woman i saw one time). so if you're stopping in to prov to see the history, def have a quick visit. wouldn't recommend the membership though, it was an awkward experience and the other perks didn't justify me continuing to come back ‍

"Suggested" $5 donation on entrance. Part of me understands, but another part of me saw their member fees and thought wtf. I'm not quite sure how they get away with charging members and not being a public library. Friend who lives there said "because it's always been that way". Many things have "always been that way" until it wasn't. I know that's an extreme example, but come on. Over $100, I think $135 for one adult, $200 for a household. Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful library, very unique and something to see while in the area. My problem is the price when you have an even more beautiful public library in Boston that is capitol F FREE. Lot of people fawning over it, but overrated in my opinion.

The library is beautiful with tons of cozy places to work from or read. Parking is limited but I can always find something within a block or two. Make sure to check the website before going on Saturdays since they're semi often closed for private events.

If you like really old libraries, the aesthetic of the Athenaeum will definitely appeal to you. It's pretty dope. Just know that there is a "suggested" $5 donation at the front door.

It was a pretty cool library to check out in Rhode Island! We really appreciated the interior decoration/architecture as well as the multitude of books surrounding us. :)

Absolutely one of the most astounding and special places that we have ever visited. A gem. A diamond in the ruff. We don't normally do reviews for these kinds of institutions, but we just had to spread the gospel about the Athenaeum. We arrived this morning shortly after opening to do the self-guided tour, having to divide and conquer: one parent took the kid to the incredible and lovingly curated children's section while the other one got to do the actual "tour",: which is really just following/reading the guidebook. The book is a helpful resource in terms of information, but doesn't orient you that well in the actual space. It would have been nice to have a "real" tour, but something is better than nothing. BEAUTY. The space is the architectural epitome of a museum, library, and academic building all put together. Everything is neat and carefully arranged and, simply put, lovely. You feel as though you are being hugged by books. Our little one thoroughly enjoyed herself in the kid's section, where there was a kind librarian, activities, and comfy chairs to sit and read in. It was a rainy day and the Athenaeum offered the perfect sanctuary. If we lived in Providence (and coming from Texas, we honestly wish we did), we'd become members and be here all the time, reading in the cozy room downstairs. What a jewel in this city's crown: five enthusiastic stars.

Probably the most beautiful library in the state. It has been included in the list of beautiful libraries in the country and the world by many renowned magazines. I love that you can go downstairs and read a book, journal or newspaper in a peaceful, tranquil setting. The layout on the main floor is attractive and daring, not like a typical library. Check it out next time you are in the area. Check out their special events, many of them are free and open to the public. Just a gem !

It's Free It's open to the public It's a great quiet space to study or get some work done What a beautiful building this place is! I highly reccomend stopping by if you are out walking around the city. Who knew so much history was behind those doors? To be honest, I am not much of a books person but there is so much to see you don't have to be. There is a downstairs level where on any normal day, you can escape reality and completely focus on whatever work or book you have with you. Leather chairs, plenty of table seating etc. They also use this space to host special events. I personally have been here for a baby shower and will be attending a wedding there this fall. Up the stairs you will find multiple levels of books. They have small desks where you can work solo overlooking the main part of the library. So much history, an incredible building and all for FREE!

Very nice space in Providence that is quiet and historic. It is free to the public and would recommend stopping by even without doing the self-guided tour. They have a bottom floor with large tables that seems great for studying in a quiet space. It is not extremely large but nice to pop in to do work or walk around and enjoy the books for a couple minutes on your Providence trip.

This is the 4th oldest library in New England and the 7th oldest in the country. It has a unique history and famous writers were also fans. Edgar Allan Poe frequented the library and courted Sarah Helen Whitman here, a poet, who also regularly visited this library. It's full of charm and would make a great place to study as many do in the lower level. It's free to visit (donations are welcome); be sure to do the self guided tour through the library to learn additional interesting facts.

Get ready for a ride on the way way way back machine. Beautiful library with more books than chairs. The Dewey decimal system is your friend here... Beware those who don't understand how it works. There are maybe 8 desks here for those of you looking to do work...so get here early if that's your game. My suggestion: Grab a copy of Ms. Marvel, get a desk on the second floor, and be amazed at the privilege of reading a book like that in a place like this. Thank me later.

I'm working on my dissertation so I'm always looking for quiet places with a lovely ambiance to write and read. This place is both. I've been able to transcribe interviews here which is something I can't always do in loud coffee shops. They have lots of desks so you can sit and work, including individual desks and chairs that look out the many gorgeous windows. It's free to visit and they also host events regularly, including for kids. They have a room with children's books where kids can come and play too! No beverages or food here but it's easy enough to go down the street to get your fix at Bolt coffee after getting some work done!

This library is worth it to check out in your next visit to Providence, Island! Never been in such a old, historical library before. Also very cool to visit a library that Edgar Allan Poe actually visited and checked out a book, a book we actually learned which was called Stanley from the librarian. Poe actually had a romance with a local woman here and she also checked out that same book after their relationship ended which I found very interesting. As we also noticed, many local students were studying here which I also thought would be a great, productive place to study in knowing about all the historical poets and philosophers who came before them. The best place for was the rare books room which also houses an artifact that Napoleon built on his travels to Egypt. We throughly enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of this place and what it represents to Rhode Island. The earliest books that first started coming here were from the late 1700's in London so what an incredible piece of history.

As an old building with a lot of history and a Latinized Greek name, the Athenaeum could easily feel exclusive and austere. On the contrary, the two librarians were super welcoming and nice about letting me have my mug of tea (unlike the John Hay...). If you want to actually borrow books or take part in the classes/programming, you must have a paid membership (which is only $35 for students!), but anyone can walk in and enjoy the beautiful architecture. For a 180 year-old building, it has plenty of modern amenities, including free wifi, a bathroom in the basement, outlets at some of the desks, and lights (once candles) in every nook. There's also plenty of natural light coming in through the windows. I also really enjoy the way this library is set up. If you want privacy, you can retreat to a nook in the corners of the upper stacks, but if you prefer to see and be seen while you work, you can head to one of the nooks facing out from the balcony or on the first floor. There's also a good ratio of desks to armchairs for all your reading vs. writing needs. Then there's the basement level, which seems to have been renovated recently and sports a giant leather couch! Overall, the Providence Athenaeum is the perfect place to come if you want to study somewhere with coziness and character, but don't want to spend money at a coffee shop.

I've never seen a library this perfect before in real life. The Providence Athenaeum is beautiful, and historic in all the right ways. High ceiling, wonderful stacks of books, metal staircases to the second level that overlooks the middle of the ground floor, hidden nooks with individual study desks or beanbag chairs, an old-school catalog in the front (now for display), and a downstairs for special collections. I could stay in this library the whole day and still be in awe that such a place exists. I felt the clock stop its hands once I stepped into this Athenaeum. It's such a breath of fresh air to step into such a charming time capsule (with updated books of course) and let all the worries of today's digital/social media age disappear altogether.

Might I be a dork for a second? If you want to feel like the main character in a children's book whose parents took them on a the most boring vacation of your young life only for you to get trapped in an Athenaeum all night and discover that books and magic are real WELL have I got a spot for you! This place is truly beautiful. Even if you're not a huge book reader (be about that life tho fam reading is fundamental) you'll be absolutely caught up with the bones of this place. There are books and levels and a basement and couches and and and you feel like if you do so much as sneeze you'd break something or tear a page in a book. Great place for a date. Great place to take your mom. Great place to wander around and feel like you've traveled back in time, or to your extremely wealthy great grandfathers house.

This place is peaceful, beautiful, and free to the public. This place is floor to ceiling books. You can walk around and explore on your own, OR they have a little self-guided tour, where you follow a Raven around learning about the Athenaeum's history. We just explored on our own, and eventually ended up downstairs, where there is more space to sit in a comfortable chair and read or study. We asked permission, and we were let in the back room where they kept some of their older books and manuscripts (again, traveling with a librarian means you get so see all the cool book stuff). On your way out (because you know you are going to stop here), make sure to leave a donation!

This is a beautiful place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day. On the day I visited, the staff outnumbered patrons and they were ever so helpful. Ok, I had to pay $65 for a six month membership. But it was so worth it.

Edgar Allen Poe The Providence Athenaeum is one spooky looking place. Built in 1838 in a blocky Greek Revival style it just sort of sits there looking imposing and unwelcoming. But once inside things change. Still spooky but in a cool way. This library is one of the very oldest in the country and was a favorite hangout of Edgar Allen Poe. Easy to imagine ol' Edgar prowling around this place thinking up weird stories to write. This is not a typical public library and is supported by private membership. Anyone can go in and look around and fondle the books but you need to pay for a membership to take out books and to access certain collections. Don't except to find the latest best sellers and trashy novels. This library has some really, really, old and classic books. Original editions that were written centuries ago. Some go back to medieval times. The décor is definitely old and spooky, no attempts to turn this into a modern and convenient library, which is a cool thing. Very narrow aisles in places and weird statues of old dead guys everywhere. Some tables and chairs and some funky old desks that look like they were taken from some ancient school combined with an occasional Victorian looking piece. A unique library that is one of the most special ones in the country. I've been to a whole lot of libraries and this is one that really stands out because there really is nothing else like it. Easy to see why Edgar Allen Poe loved this place

One of the most wonderful, beautiful, and historic libraries in our country. The Athenaeum is the 4th oldest library in the country. Edgar Allan Poe was a regular. They have books that were printed a few decades after the invention of the (western) printing press. That's 1450, people! Before Columbus sailed the ocean blue! There are countless stories of rich history at this place. And, there are countless stories of rich history in this place. (See what I did there?) The nooks and crannies in this place are adventurous. The silence is often deafening. The history is refreshing. The structure is beautiful. Great spot to sit and read, study, or just walk the floors where a history of others have walked. I really want to check out the rare book room. I feel like it might be my heaven. Visit it. If you can, donate a buck or two. If you're daring, become a member.

This is a beautiful and wonderful place to work or study--wish I were a local so I could be there all the time! I highly recommend the desks in between the stacks on the second floor. You'll get a great view and the literal tunnel vision creates master focus. Be sure to walk along the gallery behind the reference to see an incredible (twice-stolen) miniature painting on ivory, "The Hours." Their quarterly trivia night is a blast as well (open to non-members too).

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 bibliophile's dream or even the perfect place for a student to study. It's 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 recommend!

If you ever get the chance please stop by this beautiful library. It seriously is like stepping into history. The set up is beautifully designed and being in the middle of all these books is like being in the middle of history, fairy tales, love stories, and life stories all at the same time.

This small, beautiful library has tons of character, from its Greek Revival architecture (circa 1838), to its busts of stern-looking dead men, to its colorful shelves, stuffed with classics like Audubon's Birds of America. The books are shelved in cozy nooks, with lots of spots to sit and read by a window. When we stopped in to take refuge on a recent rainy Saturday, it felt bright and inviting, with occasional giggles coming from the children's room. Recommended for book lovers or anyone with an appreciation for history.

The library itself is fine but when we drove from Hartford to Providence to see the Edgar Allen Poe portion it hadn't occurred to us that the display inside of the museum would have more limited hours than the rest of the library. Unfortunately, we were not able to see what we came for. If you are going for the same reason, keep in mind that the area is quite small and has very limited hours. I'd call ahead.

This is a beautiful, historic library. The old and rare books are amazing, as are the study nooks. You have to be a member to check books out, but it's open to the public. They also have lectures and a quiz night.

I had to Google 'athenaeum' before my visit - turns out it's a place designed for learning, or a fancy way of saying library. Any book lover would go gaga at this beautiful little structure with its high ceilings, great natural light, and endless cozy spots to get some studying or pleasure-reading done. From big leather chairs downstairs to little tiny desk nooks upstairs by the windows, you're sure to find the perfect place to curl up with your latest read. Not sure how their book selection is but honestly to me the beauty is more about the space than the inventory. I'd be happy bringing my Kindle here with my latest book to be surrounded by wonderful old books and architecture.

I absolutely adore this place. It is a gem in Providence. I needed a place that was comfortable and quiet to complete a paper. I found a nice little desk by a window upstairs and immediately felt safe and at home. When I needed a break, I just got up and walked around. There are interesting things to see. I took a few pics. Part museum, historic place and library all rolled up in an architecturally interesting building.

As a lifelong bibliophile who's been known to shed a tear upon entering a library of impressive proportions (I recall a particularly embarrassing visit to the Prunxhall in Vienna), I can attest to the Providence Athenaeum's uncanny ability to take your breath away. This library is so much more than dusty books and dead poets (with all due respect to the purists). The fourth oldest library in the United States, it is a rich time capsule filled with centuries of literature and Providence's history. But the Atheaneum, so filled with ghosts and remnants of days long gone by, is also a living, breathing space. It is is staffed by an unbelievably smart and friendly group of people who are the Athenaeum's modern-day stewards; they will fascinate you with their boundless knowledge of all things popular and downright arcane. The exterior of the Athenaeum on the city's historic Benefit Street is the first thing that beckons you to come inside; but that is merely a shell for something so much greater inside - it defies description. The very best of the old world and the new meet here: walk along the creaky floorboards in this magical place, and you'll see grand wooden card catalogs filled with listings etched in spidery script; a team of ravens pointing the way through the highlights of a self-guided tour (this was after all, a favorite hangout of Edgar Allen Poe during his Providence days); the latest in fiction and non-fiction, as well as all of the beloved classics; and an incredible collection of art house, foreign and critically acclaimed films and television series on DVD. This is the only place in the city where you can feel the presence of prominent spirits while chatting with the city's current, foremost champions of the arts, culture and history. The Atheanaeum is a private library; so in order to enjoy the full Athenaeum experience, you must be a member. Members enjoy a robust series of salons and reading clubs, fantastic children's program offerings for young families, a popular and phenomenally challenging pub trivia night, and an annual gala that stands alone on the social calendar in terms of all-out literary fabulousness. Is membership worth it? Yes, dear reader, a thousand times yes.

A little tidbit to start this review off right: Edgar Allen Poe used to come to the Providence Athenaeum. How's that for a tone-setter!!! I love this library. It smells of history with it's ancient creaking floors, plethora of old books and a beloved row of card cases that still cling to the Dewey Decimal System. Quaint? Quite. Precious? You betcha. Special -- well, nothing quite compares. As the 4th oldest athenaeum in the country, this place is an absolute treasure. I love that you can meander in, take a seat at any one of the old colonial-style student tables and crack a book. Getting lost isn't an issue -- the place isn's all that big, but every available inch of space is covered in books. One thing to keep in mind is how silent it is here. No buzz of the internet, no clacking of keyboards and no whispering among friends. This place is carved out of some serious need for quiet time, alone time, time to zip your lips and get lot in the world of literature. Another adorable tidbit: every Tuesday at 10:30am it's children's hour. Bring your kids into the nook especially for kids, and they'll be treated to what was one of my favorite activities as a kid: being read to. It's precious.

The first time a library has brought me to tears in the middle of the day. (For the record, I have cried in many a college library before, usually late at night, with approaching paper deadlines and other consequences of poor time management, etc.) But please, if you like/love/think you might like: 1) History 2) Full bookshelves 3) Architecture 4) Ghosts 5) Ladders 6) Feeling like anything is possible Do yourself a favor and step inside the unassuming building that is the Anthenaeum. This a treasure, and I hope membership rates and donations are enough to keep its programming rich. If I were more gainfully employed, I'd be a member in an instant. I love sitting in the nooks of this library, facing a stone bust of some long-gone literary giant, thinking about the value of literacy and of storytelling. I visited when the cheerful staff were setting up for their annual halloween toddler party! Lots of streamers and decorations being hung up; quite a contrasting sight next to the century-old volumes.

The Providence Athenaeum is a beautiful space and is one of Providence's treasures of architecture and culture, but like most libraries right now, it is having some growing pains. One doesn't typically belong to a membership library just for the access to books. Certainly they do buy popular and new materials, but the bulk of the collection is older books that might look good on a shelf, but are likely only used by researchers, if at all. So the Athenaeum focuses on programs instead, which is admirable and makes a lot of sense for both the city of Providence and the neighborhood where the library is situated. Also, that's what an Athenaeum actually is, a space with books, art and intellectual conversation. I've been to numerous Salons since moving to Providence, and am always fascinated when I get the monthly email detailing what is coming up both at the Athenaeum and around the neighborhood. The issue that I have, and that friends and I have discussed, is that we don't feel particularly welcome at the Athenaeum. I am a professional, educated woman in my early 30s who enjoys history, literature, conversation, books and all the things that one can expect to find at the Athenaeum. What I'm less interested in is pretension and attitude. I suspect that this has a lot to with my age and the age of my friends as an older, retired friend of mine told me that when he moved to Providence he immediately hooked up with the Athenaeum crowd and made all kinds of friends. So what's to be done about this? I had a long chat with the membership coordinator a while ago and she said that it's crucial for the future of the Athenaeum to attract people my age, but every time I go to a Salon, I feel like a dirty-faced urchin. I used to work at a different membership library--The Redwood Athenaeum in Newport, where you think I would have felt this subtle disdain much more keenly, but everyone was incredibly warm and welcoming. I certainly can't blame the staff, who have never been anything but courteous and friendly, but the crowd of regulars do not seem to want to add any new blood to the mix unless it's slightly younger, equally stuffy folks. It's unfortunate since I chose to work in libraries in large part because I always saw them as a refuge and a place with something for everyone, but I've just never felt very welcome at the Athenaeum.

I had the pleasure of attending a PVD Lady Project event at the Providence Athenaeum and what a NEAT place! You can become a member of the Athenaeum for a nominal fee and have use of the space and all the books and artifacts there within. The VERY old building dates back to Edgar Allan Poe (well, before his time) and is rich with history, books, artifacts and so much more. When you walk in, just the Ora of the building exudes its past... and from floor to ceiling, wall to wall filled with old, historic books! As I said, I went to an event here and you're even allowed to bring in catering (yup, food in a library) and use this gorgeous, rich space for whatever suits your needs! Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

In my opinion, the Athenaeum perfectly represents the spirit of Providence. Rich in history, radiantly beautiful, if a bit scruffy around the edges. An outpost for rebels, academics, free-thinkers, seekers of every stripe. It is more than a library, it is what you'd find on the other side of the wormhole you imagined was under your childhood bed. While my dad was geeking out with the librarian over H.P. Lovecraft, I got to explore every corner of this place. Nooks and crannies? Check. Marble busts of famous dead Rhode Islanders? Check. Oh yeah, and books. Lots and lots of books.

The first time you visit the Athenaeum, you have to come in from Benefit Street. You walk through the door and find yourself in a library -- the way you always dreamed a library should be. Alcoves full of books, an open gallery upstairs with more alcoves. Walls and walls of books from floor to ceiling, two stories high, and then downstairs for more books. No computer terminals, except for the catalog. And yes, there's an old card catalog -- though regretfully it's out of date, so anything you find in there is suspect. I must admit, that the addition of wifi and a coffee machine in the cellar is welcome... I suppose the 21st century has to impinge here and there.

very cool small library. It took me ten years to finally check this out. I like the downstairs area, the kind of place I would want to study. definitely worth a look

The Athenaeum is amazing because it's acoustically the quietest of the libraries around it. It's understandable that group tours make the place noisier, but it's vexing when the librarians are carrying on full volume conversation when the rest of the space is silent. I come here because I don't have to wear headphones to block out noise, and I don't mean to be rude by asking for quiet. If the quietness of the space could become more of a priority, that would be great.

I had walked by this stone building a million times and had always just assumed that it was a creepy cult - I mean no windows and a sinister water fountain? I couldn't have been more wrong. This place is utterly delightful - a treasure trove of Providence history. The self-guided tour is perfect for the library novice who worries about strict librarians shushing at their insubordination. Every corner hosts amazing pieces of this time capsule - marble busts of stodgey old men, maps of the city in the 1800s, tiny bookshelf ladders, and the secret room of original printings. You can almost feel the anguish of Edgar Allen Poe's ghost rising out of the stacks, sense the frustration in the perfectly scripted card catalogue. The cozy downstairs addition is the perfect place to curl up with a *free* coffee and thumb through dusty old Russian literature. Free to the public for a quick visit, but a hefty pricetag for membership or to check out items. Perks for the intelligencia include salons, book readings, and the knowlege that you're supporting one of the oldest and best-kept libraries in America.

"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" -- for a library, Athenaeum is as good as it gets. Being a Providence visitor, going in there was more of a sightseeing experience for me. There was a self-guided tour of the library by following the Raven sign, and it was quite easy to follow. I learned that this is one of 17 member-sponsored libraries in the country, and a lot of history retained within the library such as 19th century handwritten catalog cards. Downstairs is an even quieter studying area with a locked room of literature relics (Walt Whitman's and Poe's works were in there). I would absolutely support this library with a membership if I live in Providence.

The Athenaeum is so cute, quaint, old-fashioned, it's overwhelming! I absolutely adore the 2 levels and the stairs leading up to them! They have ladders up to the higher shelves???!!! Not something you see in every library! I would totally give this place 5 stars, if 2 things weren't bothering me. 1. The membership prices are pretty darn high. They should really give family discounts! 2. Even when you become a member, at least with the $60 membership I got, you can only take 8 things TOTAL out! The librarian was really nice the first time I took out my books and let me take 16 out, but after that I've only been able to take out 8 things every time. Keep that in mind if you're planning to take out a ton of books to read/study.

I come here whenever I have free time and just spend hours reading in the mezzanine lvl!! Its very beautiful and organized. Lots of art: sculptures, paintings, and history. Most the books are old but you can request books!! The staff are extremely helpful and nice. The only complaint I have is the tours, they can get a little too loud if you're trying to concentrate, but after 20min they're over sooo... I definitely recommend coming here

Take a deep breath when you walk in, that's the smell of History. The history of the building is amazing and hard to believe something like that exists in our own backyard. It is a nice place to quietly sit down to read or study.

What a hidden treasure in Providence. I love libraries and this one happens to be the 4th oldest one in America. What a cool vibe inside. I don't know of many libraries where you can grab a 120 year old book off the shelf and just sit down at a table and enjoy it. Very cool.

dreamy, spooky, old creme-colored shelves, books about places I love traveling to.

The Providence Athenaeum built in 1838 is one of the nation's oldest libraries and is an example of Greek-Revival architecture. What a great place to relax and do some reading, enjoy the beautiful architecture around you that is representative of what College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island has to offer.