The Importance of Giving
Membership dues cover only a small percentage of our annual operations budget. Your donations are crucial in securing the vibrant future of the Athenaeum. Thank you so much for your support!
- For information on Book Donations and East Side Marketplace receipts, click here.
How to Give
Click below if you would like to make a secure donation online using PayPal:
Those wishing to support the Providence Athenaeum can also make contributions to the library by mailing a check to:
The Providence Athenaeum
251 Benefit Street
Providence, RI 02903
Additionally, Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard only) can be used to make gifts. If you wish to donate stock, please contact Alison Maxell at 401-421-6970 (ext. 11).
The support of our members has enabled us to serve the community for over a quarter of a millenium. We are thankful for every dollar and every year. We extend our sincerest thanks for your continued support.
Special Benefits
Donations made at all giving levels receive grateful acknowledgement in the annual report. A donors' reception is held each year to thank those who donate $500 and above.
Moses Brown Circle: Benefits include the above with a private tour of the Philbrick Rare Book Room.
Stephen Hopkins Circle: Benefits include both a private tour of the Philbrick Rare Book Room and use of the Athenaeum reading room to hold a celebration.
Matching Gift Programs
Many companies match charitable gifts made by their employees. Please check if your employer will match your gift to the library and obtain a matching gift form.
Planned Giving
Planned giving is a great way to ensure that the Athenaeum will continue to serve and inspire future generations.
When planning your estate, please consider making a gift to the Athenaeum and contribute to the ongoing legacy of our historic library. For more information, contact Alison Maxell at 401.421.6970 or speak to your personal financial advisor.
All gifts to the Athenaeum are tax deductible.
Levels of Support
Giving at any level is an investment in the Athenaeum's future. Thank you for your support of the Providence Athenaeum!
Giving Circles
Daniel Cushing Circle (under $50) Providence Athenaeum librarian from 1832 to 1836.
Elizabeth B. Patten Circle ($50 - $249) As a teenager, volunteer Lizzie Patten raised money for the purchase of Malbone's painting, The Hours.
Sarah Helen Whitman Circle ( $250 - $499) Poet Sarah Helen Whitman's romance with Edgar Allan Poe was born at the Athenaeum.
William Strickland Circle ( $500 - $999) William Strickland, renowned Philidelphia architect, designed the Athenaeum's Greek-Revival syle building
Zachariah Allen Circle ($1,000 - $2,499) Zachariah Allen is credited with managing the process of founding the Athenaeum in 1836; its progenitors were the Providence Library Company and the Providence Athenaeum.
Grace Leonard Circle ($2,500 - $4,999) Athenaeum Head Librarian from 1912 to 1941, Grace Leonard also coauthored The Providence Athenaeum: A Brief History 1753-1939.
Moses Brown Circle ($5,000 - $9,999) Moses Brown was one of the founders and benefactors of the Providence Library Company, later serving as Board President from 1801 to 1807.
Stephen Hopkins Circle ($10,000 and above) Instrumental in the founding of the Providence Library Company, Stephen Hopkins served as Rhode Island governor from 1755 to 1768. He was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Book Donations
Limited space restricts us from being able to accept large donations of books. If you have ten titles or less, we'll happily accept your donation.
Otherwise, for donations of large quantities of books, The Providence Public Library is always happy to receive titles you're ready to part with.
East Side Marketplace Receipts
Our friends at the East Side Marketplace generously donate a portion of the total from every one of their receipts we bring them.
After your shopping trips, please drop off your East Side Marketplace receipts at the Circulation Desk. Thanks!