What a sweet little library! I found myself in Downtown Warren a few days ago with some time to…read morekill, so I decided to Google Maps where the local library was. Turns out that it was a convenient two blocks away from the Coffee Depot where I was hangin', so I decided to take a stroll and check it out. The George Hail Free Library may be small-ish, but the building itself was gorgeous (according to the librarian, it's about 132 years old!), and it was fun to walk around in the Beauty and the Beast-esque space and channel my inner Belle for a bit! There are amazing stained glass windows and meticulously preserved vaulted ceilings. It's almost reminiscent of an old church from the turn of the century. Pretty cool! The library is undergoing some repairs and renovations to the upper floor and the roof, so the shelves on the first floor are jammed with fiction and nonfiction books. It was a little bit cramped to walk around, but I managed. I unfortunately didn't have enough time to sit and read, but the worn leather chairs near the periodicals section looked inviting, and I will definitely take a seat there next time! The George Hail Free Library is part of the Ocean State Libraries system, so you can take out any of their books or media and return it at a different library in the system as well. Very convenient and much appreciated! A hidden historic gem in Warren that's definitely worth a visit!

A stunning memorial…read more Back in the early 1880's Martha Hail decided she wanted a lasting memorial to her husband, George Hail, so she decided to donate money to have a library built in his honor that would have his name on it. Like most of the grand libraries built during this time period it was more than a place for books. It was a stunning building made of blocks of granite and constructed in the Romanesque Revival style that seemed popular at the time. The library was complete in 1888 for a total cost of around 16,000 dollars. Seems like a ridiculously low sum now but back then it was a whole heap of money. Several other wealthy people also donated money for the completion of the building. The library is indeed stunning, both inside and out. This period of grand library building sort of reminds me of what the Egyptian Pharaohs were doing in the 4th dynasty, building massive memorials that would last forever. It not exactly forever, then for a long, long time. The library is wonderful to look at from the outside and the inside is just as amazing. Beautiful stain glass windows, lovely staircases, beautiful furniture and art and even a cool owl watching over things. The library was renovated in the late 1970's and much of it was restored to it's original appearance. It is truly a beautiful library to admire from both the inside and out. It might not last as long as the pyramids but it will definitely be around for a long, long time.

Huge parking lot-never have an issue finding any. Library is a good size and the employees are…read morealways helpful. They host community events and it's always clean.

Took my son here in the evening during the week. It was getting to be a little late so not too…read moremany kids in the children's room. I have to say the children's room was very nice. A big wooden boat for the kids to play in and also a castle for them to go in. Lots of little puzzles for younger kids to manipulate hanging along the walls. My 8 year old really enjoyed it. Also looks like they do a number of activities and classes here. I think I saw something about a coding class and also some movies that would be playing. Overall very nice library. We'll be back!

Lighthouses computers…read moreand books The Riverside Library is a new library that was completed in 2005. It's a simple but attractive library on the outside and clean and well organized on the inside. It's immediately obvious that this is a new and well designed library. Lots of computers for public use, a large community room, a wonderful kids area with lots of cool toys and stuffed animals and several interesting displays. Perhaps the most interesting things about the library was the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse display. Several lovely models of the old lighthouse and information by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Association. A very nice and modern branch library that has friendly and pleasant librarians, useful conveniences and amenities and a wonderful display of lighthouses.

This is my SPOT! I…read morego to this branch every week to pick up the books/CD's/DVD's I reserve online, and add a few impulse-"buys" like magazines and new books on display. There's a great system in place to just coast over to the wall of reserved goodies on your own and find your things by your name. You can even go over to a simple self-serve check-out and zip right out. Though why would I do that?, because as Cherie M. rightfully gushes, the librarians are just that nice to talk to. This is why I'm just not interested in Kindle (ok, with the exception of when I'm traveling...the only time I wish I wasn't lugging books) - this is one routine I really enjoy in my life and, hello!, it's FREE. The hours are great for a small branch - open til 8 on weeknights and til 5 on Fri and Sat. Parking's no problem; even if the lot is full there's plenty of street parking.

This is my childhood library. I have seen it change only for the better over time. I grew up at…read morethis library. I owe everything I am today to this library.

A beautiful historic library. Incredible Interlibrary loans service. I often bring my laptop here…read moreto do work.

Doing business with the Town is pretty easy here. Almost all the offices are in one building, and…read morethe staff know all the departments to help you. I was able to breeze through three offices in less than 30 minutes. The staff are friendly and helpful. Parking is easy.

An itty bitty…read more library Conimicut Library is small place that is easy to go right by. It looks just like many of the small houses in this beachy area and I suspect that's exactly what it was at one time. Very quaint and unobtrusive. Of course since it is so tiny the library isn't the best place to find some esoteric tome or reference source. The much larger main Warwick Library would be a much better choice for serious research. This library serves the local community and does that well. It has some comfy chairs, a nice fireplace and a very causal and cool atmosphere that is immediately apparent. One table still had arts and craft material from some craft project and pictures and local notices are plastered on many of the walls. Lots of these notices concern projects and programs for children. Obviously the focus here is on kids. Of course they do have books, CD's and DVD's but don't expect a lot of variety. This is a very small but very pleasant local retreat. Just quietly going about it's business the same way it has been doing for a long time. An itty bitty library

As the other review stated, this is a *very* small library. Don't judge a book by it's cover…read morethough! see what I did there? The traffic through here is minimal and there is a decent selection of children's books. I love the main branch, don't get me wrong, but this one doesn't have tablets and touch screen computers that the kids can immediately jump on and zombify themselves with. They actually chose to *gasp* read! And play. And do crafts. There are computers for patrons of the teen/adult variety, but thankfully they are tucked away near the entrance and away from the children's area. This location does not have self checkout, which is refreshing! Human beings helping you out instead of machines? Love it. Wow... I really sound like a luddite.... Anyway.... Yes the selection of books/movies is limited, but you can simply order whatever you'd like to read/watch and pick it up at any location. The bathroom is clean and I love the added touch of a fireplace with cozy chairs beside it. The librarians are LOVELY. Very kind and helpful. They really helped the kids enjoy the whole experience and the craft offered while we were there was adorable. Now if only they would get a pet tarantula like the main... 6 STARS!!!! But until that day, 5 stars it is!!!

We love Barrington Books. Such an incredible selection of local authors and an even bigger…read moreselection of best sellers. The staff is so helpful and accommodating!

I love this store. My new go to for gifts. Great selections for kids. I highly recommend.read more

On September 23, I attended a Sublimation Tote Bag Workshop at 5:30 pm at South Providence Library…read more Canvas tote bags, pre-printed images on sublimation paper, scissors, and heat-resistant tape were laid out on the table. There were two options to design the bag: Option A: Make a collage-style tote using pre-printed images and Option B: Create a fully custom tote using your own images (from your phone, the internet, or personal photos). I took a look at the pre-printed images and they were great for my tote bag. Great job to Sarah for picking these images! There were a great variety. After I chose the pre-printed images and created my design on the canvas tote bag, Sarah showed me how to use the heat press machine. The heat press machine needed to warm up to 390 degrees. Sarah also checked the bag to make sure they're clean and didn't have any creases. I first pressed the background on the sublimation paper face down and then I used heat-resistant tape to hold in place the characters face down on top and pressed again. The tote came out great and it didn't take long at all. The Sublimation Tote Bag Workshop at South Providence Library was so much fun and I was able to create my own one-of-a-kind tote bag using the sublimation press. Sarah was a great instructor and very friendly. Only 4 people including myself were doing the workshop. I hope more people attend the workshops in the future. South Providence Library is located on Prairie Ave and it is a two way narrow street. When I arrived about 5:30pm, it was quite busy and I parked about a block away. There is street parking available.

A historic branch…read more Most branch libraries are pretty small and undistinguished, useful but certainly not very interesting or aesthetically appealing. But there are exceptions. The South Providence Branch Library is one of those exceptions. Designed and built by Howe and Rathbone in 1930, the library was actually placed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1998. Not one of the grand and stunning libraries that are so common around New England, this library does have it's charms. Nice staircases and lighting and even a fireplace or two, it's obvious that this library isn't just something thrown up by the lowest bidder. Parking can be a be iffy and the building doesn't really stand out from the outside, but this library deserves more than just a casual glance to appreciate it's beauty.

I Love and treasure my local libraries! Staff are very friendly and helpful!.. They will give you a…read moretour if you need to find your way around! Don't worry it is not that big! ;) I love the building from the XVII century...Make sure to checkout the marvelous horses at the top when you go in... And also the ceiling! :) HAPPY READING EVERYONE! :)

A book reading with music? I'm in. I found this library because they were hosting a Kristen Hersh…read morereading and performance in their basement, and I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the whole building. The Knight Memorial Library definitely stands out in the neighborhood for it's sheer size. It was designed by Edward Tilton - the same man who designed Ellis Island - and is composed of lots of marble and stone. It is definitely grand, especially for a neighborhood library. However, when you walk into the building it has a welcoming vibe. The library itself looks comfortable for people of all ages. It feels airy but also warm. I didn't get to check it out all that much that night, but I'm happy to have been introduced and I'm looking forward to coming back for other readings or just to check out a book. Go libraries!

This is a cute little book shop along the strip. It's like out of a romance novel---by a cute crepe…read moreshop, coffee shop, record star and bar. The book selection is good---a lot of popular titles, children's books, cooking books and more. There are gift items available too, so it's great if you are looking for a few things for a gift or for yourself! The lady in the shop was friendly and nice!

As a former Rhode Islander, I still continue to order books from Ink Fish Books, because their…read moreselection for children's, teens' books as well as bestsellers is wonderful; Lisa's assistance and prompt delivery is also excellent. Whenever I am visiting Rhode Island, I always make a trip to Ink Fish to check out their attractive book displays and, undoubtedly, get drawn in to purchase several books for my husband and me as well as the children of friends. The atmosphere is also very serene--perfect for hours of browsing!