Reviews of The Providence Athenaeum (Tourist Attraction)

timothy hutchings

Neat place but: They have a bust honoring a man who called for the gassing of immigrants and praised the KKK. The bust is in a prominent place. No, it's not a historical holdover from the early days of the library, they put it up in 2012 (I think). Pretty dumb for people that run a building holding books written by smart people.

John Chiafalo

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

Alec Loudenback

This is a gem in Providence. It may not be a top attraction, but worth stopping in if you are in the area. It's 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!

A Thought

Great place to be.

Desiree Joy Frias

A beautiful piece of history with all the necessities of a working library. Great place to study relax and explore

Andrei M

The one of the oldest library in Providence

jacob louis hoover

A quiet place.

Michelle Caetano

If you enjoy the smell of old books and the character of beautiful old buildings, you'll 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, it's certainly worthwhile to support such a great community resource. Parking is a bit tight as with everywhere else on the East Side of Providence.

Kelley Tackett

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 I've ever seen. I love the mix of busts, old card catalogues, and new releases!

Barry Chow

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)...

Richard Kinch

Well preserved collections with a very amicable staff

TAC AUGUST

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.

Ahmed Boughardain

Lieu vraiment magique ! A visiter et profiter un peu de la lecture.

Caroline Anaya

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 recommended!

Liam Bulkley

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

Jeffery Sumler

A delightful place to spend an hour.

Lorenzo P.

Fabulous visit

Jason Garcia

Such a beautiful stop with friendly staff. I was just paint through Providence and felt I should make a quick stop by here. I'm 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.

Branden Diniz

This library oozes charm and whimsy. It's the kind of place I've only ever imagined existing in the past, but preserved beautifully to this day. I can't wait for my next visit!

Stevie C

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.

michael leshinsky

Interesting

Dennis Bozic

(Translated by Google) Undoubtedly one of the highlights of Providence. The Athenaeum is living history. One should take the time to grab a book and read. A true experience. One should not miss the "half-hidden" library tour either; Just ask the staff for a map. (Original) Zweifelsohne eines der Highlights von Providence. Das Athenaeum ist lebendige Geschichte. Man sollte sich die Zeit nehmen ein Buch zu schnappen und zu lesen. Ein wahres Erlebnis. Die "halbversteckte" Bibliothekstour sollte man ebenfalls nicht verpassen; einfach das Personal nach einer Karte fragen.

Holly Szurley

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.

Carl O'Neil

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.

j hwang

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.

Michelle Cruz

Great place to study and do work.

flint dille

Fabulous. Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft

Nathan Chen

Great place to come every afternoon to read!

Debu Tante

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

Matt Warren Bruinooge

Perfect place to study. Friendly to the general public, just stop by and find something you like to read, or study. It's really quiet.

Matthew Jacks

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

David MacIndoe

I'm 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.

Charles Whitin

This is a special place, one to be counted among Providence's 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 (most) of 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.

Scottydogg

Fantastic. Wish I had more time to spend there.