A Library and Its City
The Providence Athenaeum is Providence's oldest cultural center. Throughout the centuries the library has helped shape Providence into the city that stands today.
As such, we are more than happy to direct visitors to the many places that make the Renaissance City so special. Please see the local attractions listed below and feel free to ask at the Circulation Desk if you have any questions about this city we proudly call home!
Local Attractions
Brown University Bookstore
You don't have to be a Brown student or alumn to appreciate the large collection of popular fiction/nonfiction books and Providence/Brown themed gifts stocked at the Brown University Bookstore. (Or the caffeinated beverages and sweets available at its cafe!)
- 244 Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02912
- Telephone: 401-863-3168
- Hours (General Books and Cafe): Monday thru Friday, 7am-10pm;
Saturday: 10am-10pm;
Sunday: 10am-8pm - Website
John Brown House Museum
One of America's grandest 18th Century mansions and one-time home to politician John Brown. Tour the historic residence and peruse the gift shop for a slice of Providence's past.
- 52 Power Street, Providence, RI 02906
- Telephone: 401-273-7507
- Hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 9:30am-4pm;
Saturday, 10am-5pm;
Sunday, 1pm-4pm - Website
John Hay Library
Just a block up from the Athenaeum, the John Hay Library houses Brown University's special collections.
- 20 Prospect Street, Providence, RI 02912
- Telephone: 401-863-3723
- Hours: Change frequently throughout the year. Please call or click on the website link below.
- Website
Lovecraft's College Hill Walking Tour
The H.P. Lovecraft Archive Website has an enlarged map of the beloved local author's Providence haunts.
Old State House
Tour this impressive marble building, taking in the elegant state library room and Senate and House chambers.
- 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Telephone: 401-222-2357
Providence Community Library
Providence Community Library operates and supports all nine of Providence's neighborhood libraries. Visit their website for locations and hours.
Providence Public Library
- 150 Empire Street, Providence, RI 02903
- Telephone: 401-455-8000
- Hours: Monday and Thursday, 12:00pm-8:00pm;
Friday and Saturday, 9:00am-5:30pm;
Sunday, 1:00pm-5:00pm - Website
RISD's Fleet Library
The architectural embodiment of RISD's artistic spirit, the Fleet Library is a stunning building that needs to be seen. Athenaeum members also enjoy borrowing abilities at the Fleet, making its eclectic collections accessible.
- 15 Westminster Street
- Telephone: 401 709-5900
- Hours: Monday thru Thursday, 8:30am-11pm;
Friday, 8:30am-8pm;
Saturday, 10am-6pm;
Sunday, 12pm-11pm - Website
RISD's Museum of Art
Located a block away from the Athenaeum, the Museum of Art houses exciting collections and frequently changing exhibitions.
- 224 Benefit Street
- Telephone: 401-454-6500
- Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday, 10am-5pm
- (The Museum stays open until 9pm on the third Thursday of the month except December)
- Website
