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General Collections

Circle of Materials

Our circulating collection boasts over 150,000 books, recorded books on tape and CD, periodicals, movies on video and DVD, and other materials. In our stacks, you can find the best of contemporary fiction, mysteries, drama, poetry, and biography, as well as topical nonfiction that range from history to politics.

If you're taking a trip, check out our collection of current travel guides. We also house an in-depth collection of travelogues and historical travel narratives. Providence Athenaeum household and individual members may also borrow material from the Rhode Island School of Design library, which features over 115,400 books and periodicals.

New Materials

We may have 150,000 items, some hundreds of years old, but we also add to our collections nearly every day. Click the links below to explore the newest books in our collection.

Requesting Materials

If you are a current member of the Athenaeum and have a book you want us to get for you, please fill out the form below! We will contact you as soon as your item arrives.

Please Note: This Form is Not Yet Active. Please bring your book requests to the Circulation Desk or give us a call at 401-421-6970. Thanks!

Your Name:
Email Address:
Phone Number:

Please select the type of material you are requesting:

Title:
Author:

If you have any special instructions or additional information about the requested item, please enter it below:

Reference Collection

We have many non-circulating reference materials that can help inform you about any subject of interest. Our reference collections includes a wide assortment of general reference materials (such as unique encyclopedias and rare maps) and specialty books on topics such as history, art, and music. Please click here to learn more about our Reference Department.