The Providence Athenæum is delighted to extend special memberships to teachers in the Providence Public School System, completely free of charge.

• Priority registration and/or discounted access to programs and special events
• Borrowing privileges, including books, periodicals, DVDs, audiobooks, and CDs
• Full access to all three floors of the Athenæum’s historic building, including mezzanine desks reserved for members
• Use of the recently restored mezzanine-level Art Room (by request)
• Access to hoopla’s incredible digital collection of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, TV shows, and music (more information here)
• Participation in the Athenæum’s popular reading groups, offered exclusively to members
• Staff-led tours to welcome new members and orient them in the library (email membership@provath.org for more details)
• Book requests filled through purchase or interlibrary loans
• Generous loan periods and short waiting periods for popular or new titles
• Prioritized access to Special Collections
• 10% discount at the library shop
• (P.S. Dogs on leashes are welcome to accompany you inside the library – stop by the Circulation Desk for a treat!)

When will my membership expire?
All PPSD memberships expire on August 31st each year. You will be contacted in advance of this date each year with the opportunity to renew your complimentary membership.

May I bring a guest with me to the library or events?
Members are welcome to bring guests with them to visit the library! Many of our events offer member guest tickets, as well.

Will I receive a membership card?
No, our PPSD teacher members do not receive a membership card. Once your membership is processed, you’ll receive a welcome email with your library ID number. You can use this number to set up your hoopla account.

How do I put a checked-out item on hold?
Give us a call at 401-421-6970. Our staff will contact you as soon as it is available.

The Athenæum doesn’t have an item I want. Can you find it for me?
If we don’t have an item you would like to check out, we will find a way to get it to you, provided it isn’t incredibly rare. We can find most items using interlibrary loan, but frequently purchase member requests to develop our collection and serve your needs. Looking for something in particular? Please contact the library at 401-421-6970 or email your request to bookrequests@provath.org.

The Athenæum is a historic library. Do you have any new books?
Of course! The Athenæum adds thousands of new items each year. Check out our newly acquired books on the bookshelves near the Circulation Desk (opposite the card catalog) or via our online catalog here.

What should I read, watch, or listen to?
The age-old question. Check out our staff picks table in front of the Circulation Desk to see what we love and come talk to us! The staff loves to give personalized recommendations.