While the Athenæum inspires and embodies myriad ideas, activities, and interests, reading is its beating heart. The library’s reading groups offer the ideal opportunity to try books or authors you’ve long wanted to read or re-read, in the company of other intellectually curious readers and engaging, encouraging group leaders.

The Athenæum is deeply grateful to our wonderful volunteer facilitators. Library reading groups are not classes or courses, but rather a way for individuals to discuss readings together, guided by both expert and amateur enthusiasts. Participants should expect discussion-based, not lecture-style meetings unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions or if you’re interested in leading a group, please email readinggroups@provath.org.

2026 REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration for Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 reading groups will open in two windows: Wednesday, July 15 at 8am and Saturday, July 18th at noon. Half the available spots will be released during the first window and the remaining half during the second. Members can register for one group each year. Registration must be completed using the online form which can be accessed on the bottom of each group’s webpage and in reminder emails during the registration windows.

Participation is offered exclusively to full-year Athenæum members. Consider becoming a member if you’d like to join a group!

Please note that these groups are extremely popular and often fill to capacity within minutes. We advise that members review group information before the registration windows and have a back-up choice or two selected.

READING GROUP FAQ

What is the expected commitment of joining a reading group?

Given that most of the reading groups maintain lengthy waitlists, members are expected to attend as many meetings as possible or let their facilitator know if they cannot attend a session. Library staff will check in after multiple absences to ensure members wish to continue. Groups typically run monthly September through May.

I have an Introductory membership. Can I join a group?

As reading group participation is a full-year commitment, registration is reserved for full-year members. If you’d like to upgrade your membership to an eligible level, please call 401-421-6970 or email membership@provath.org.

What if the group I wanted to join is full?

Waitlists are offered for all groups! Simply email readinggroups@provath.org with your name, email, and the name of your preferred group as the subject line.

Can I join a waitlist if I’m not a member?

Yes, you are welcome to add your name to a waitlist before beginning a library membership. If a space does become available for you, you would need to purchase a full-year membership to claim it.

READING GROUP SCHEDULES

Please note that group meetings occasionally deviate from a consistent schedule to accommodate holidays. Make sure to check the full schedule listed on each group’s individual webpage before registering.

Tuesday groups
*VIRTUAL* Documentary+ with Steve Coon | 1st Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm (Zoom)
Gumshoe Gnosis with Jonathan Migliori & Bonnie Clayton | 1st Tuesdays, 5-7pm (Reading Room)
In Search of Lost Time with Rich Lamon | 1st Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm (Art Room)
Come to Ireland with Diana Champa | 2nd Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm (Bound)
Exploring Correspondence with Nancy Kendrick | 2nd Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm (Art Room)
Examined Life with Bryan Olin | 4th Tuesday, 5:30-7pm (Bound)
Ulysses with Angus Lockyer & Erin Weiss | 4th Tuesdays, 5:30-7pm (Art Room)

Wednesday groups
*VIRTUAL* Documentary+ with Steve Coon | 1st Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Zoom)
Clearly, More than Ever with Erin Perfect | 1st Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Bound)
Less is More: The Science Fiction & Fantasy Novella with Eden Kupermintz | 1st Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Art Room)
Documentaries of Citizen Empowerment with Samanthe Sheffer | 2nd Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Art Room)
y u so obsessed wit me? with Sydney Healey & Sage Bierman | 2nd Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Bound)
Between Friends with Meredith Gabor & Kathy Sherman | 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Bound)
*VIRTUAL* Aotearoa (New Zealand) with Clare Jones | 4th Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Zoom)
Time Travel with Charlotte Taylor | 4th Wednesdays, 5:30-7pm (Bound)

Thursday groups
*VIRTUAL* Reading Like a Writer with K Chess | 2nd Thursdays, 7-8:30pm (Zoom)

Saturday groups
The House is Haunted with Tom Sojka | 3rd Saturdays, 12-1:30pm (Bound)

Sunday groups
Can’t Not Read Kant with Lenny Cambra | 1st Sundays, 2-3:30 (Art Room)
Out & In Print with Kipp Brott | 1st Sundays, 2-3:30pm (Bound)
NYT Bestsellers & Beyond with Kathleen Spencer, Jan Erie, & Sara Misgen | 2nd Sundays, 11:30am-1pm (Bound)
The Two Emilys with Tammy Bolotow | 3rd Sundays, 12-1:30pm (Bound)
(Brush)strokes of Genius with Marianne Williams | 4th Sundays, 12-1:30pm (Art Room)