Join us to celebrate the holiday season with a festive, family-friendly, open house-style, 19th-century-inspired holiday extravaganza for members and their guests! Think carolers, paper chains, handmade ornaments, excellent library-themed gift ideas, and maybe even a gingerbread Athenæum. The fabulous RI Cruisin’ Cocktails will be on hand with festive beverages for kids and adults (spiked hot chocolate, anyone…?).

Attendees can wander through the library which will be transformed into a winter wonderland, offering photo ops and creative activities. Remember, members always receive a 10% discount on library merchandise, and Athenæum memberships make fantastic holiday gifts!

At 4:15pm, gather in the Main Level for a musical performance by the Merry Dickens Carolers (and even join in!).

Guests are also invited to experience and even participate in a marathon reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol! The marathon will begin at 2:15pm and end by 6pm, with an intermission at 4:15pm to enjoy the carolers. Interested readers can register for a 6-minute time slot and will be emailed their assigned readings in advance, as well as given their assigned section when they arrive to read. All ages are welcome to participate. Spectators can curl up in the Reading Room in front of a crackling fire (feel free to BYO-Blanket). The library’s precious first edition of Dickens’ classic novel will be on display.

We will also be collecting donations for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank through the month of December. Please bring a requested item or two to help families in our community this holiday season.