I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year and I started with Barrington Public Library--I unknowingly set the bar high for the other libraries. I had reserved a room online and the staff was really helpful in helping me find the room. They do hold your reservation for up to 15 minutes if you're running late. The study rooms are spacious, a bit modern, and they even have more upstairs. I found that there were lots of different seats and sort of study spots around the library--wooden chairs, couch like chairs, tables, darker spots, spots by the window, etc. I loved that they had a puzzle that you could help with. I also think it's neat that they have a zone for each age group and it's nicely decorated plus clearly marked sections for different genres and type of books. I took one of their newsletters and quickly found out they have lots of activities each month, some of which I plan to attend. I was also in shock to find that they have a very nice auditorium where they have speakers but also show films. There was lots of parking, the outside of the building is nice, there are some cafes and stores nearby, and they even have a museum in the basement for the town of Barrington (although it does have special hours of operation). I love forward to coming back eventually and seeing how they decorate and organize according to seasons. read more

Barrington Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Barrington, Rhode Island

Such a good playground especially for a wide range of children. I love taking the kids I babysit for here because they have two sides of the playground, one for babies/toddlers and another for ages 5 (ish) and up. Makes it very convient to have a little bit of everything for everyone. Theres picnic tables, benches, and covered seating avaiabvle which is super nice. read more

This is by far the best library in the state, no question. If only it were closer to where I lived, this would be my go to library of choice. Firstly, this library is huge compared to most in Rhode Island, and I've been to many. There are three floors, a fantastic playground just outside with plenty of shade, places to park your bike, and even a little museum on the bottom floor. The kids section upstairs is huge and there's plenty of space and toys for them to play. There's always lots of art or tapestries decorating the walls in the hallways that gives this library so much character and doesn't make it feel bland or sterile. One annoying thing I've found with a surprising number of libraries I've visited is the appalling lack of private/cozy sitting areas to just... read. If there is a chair it's usually way out in the open and it feels very awkward to sit there. In Barrington library, I've found plenty of cozy little nooks and crannies with a nice comfortable chair to skim books without feeling like I'm on display. They have computers, a printer, private conference rooms that you can book ahead of time, quiet study areas with desks, multiple spots where you can look up/reference the library's database (again, not way out in the open, there are some just at random spots hidden away at the end of a maze of bookshelves), a well kept bathroom and bubbler, and a large collection of video media. The most impressive area is the teen room, which has a comic book section and is decorated and layouted in quite an endearing way. There's even a little private room with a door where you can play video games or board games with your friends, and not have to whisper. Inside there's an old arcade machine, table and chairs, a few switch games, a TV, and chalk board and white board you can draw on. In a country with continuously diminishing third spaces, this is a very refreshing little safe haven for adolescents to enjoy. Overall I have nothing bad to say about this library. It's clean, organized, well decorated, maintains a cozy and inviting vibe despite the size, and has all the amenities you could ever ask for. read more

One of the true jewels of the East Bay. The library offers so much more than "just books." The library of things is awesome, the programming for kids and adults, and it's all managed by a terrific staff! read more

Was able to find what I was looking for with the help of a very friendly reference desk associate. This library is quiet and clean. I used to bring my kids here all the time and a lot has changed in the children's room since. It's bigger, brighter, and much more welcoming to young kids. My teens have used the study spaces available in the past and they have a whole section just for teens. Great place for the whole family. read more

Schools books and jails The very first idea for a town library started waaaaay back in 1806 when a local reverend and some other folks put together some books and decided they wanted a library. The idea of a "free" library was still in it's infancy back then so they charged a dollar for membership dues. Curiously fiction books were banned because they were considered lies and therefor against the word of God. Theology and history were frequently emphasized in these very early libraries. The library sort of fell out of favor after a few decades and was abandoned. Then in around 1880 the town of Barrington allocated some funds to created a new library and was placed in a large building along with the town hail, offices and even a small jail. Hopefully the jail was for the local scofflaws and hooligans and not the people that didn't return library books on time. Finally in 1984 new and much larger library was created when the books and facilities were moved into a local school that was no long in use. An excellent use of space indeed. The old school had extensive renovations in 2005 and just last year. So now the Barrington Library is a very pleasant, useful and spacious place. It still looks like an old school and has lots of odd rooms and shapes that gives it so much character. The librarians we met were extremely friendly, sweet and nice and everything in the library is well organized and very clean. So once you get use to the odd layout of the building finding stuff is a breeze. The town of Barrington has a very nice library, one with a cool history, funky school building look and all the modern and useful stuff a library should have. An easy place to lose yourself and spend far more time here than you intended. read more

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WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BELOVED LIBRARY? I have never seen a library that gets rid of books instead of collecting them. Entire aisles of shelves now sit empty or in pieces. The collection has gotten so weak. Too many classic titles purged. The only things new are poor quality or currently popular titles. I know the budget hasn't been lowered. Who is spending that money? I am also really disappointed in how the library has engaged in biased political advocacy. Displays and new books unrelentingly push the librarians personal agenda on patrons. It seems there is no balance or diversity of opinion allowed. A total turnoff. I would love to see other topics celebrated and highlighted in the library besides controversial or divisive materials. LIBRARIES ARE FOR BOOKS NOT ELECTRONIC GEEGAWS!!! read more

Met a friend of mine here for a play date on a hot day over the Summer. We stopped first at the playground right outside. Really nice, clean and large playground for the kids to run their energy out before going into the library. Also it is fenced, which was nice. Lots of parking in the lot. We then went into the Children's room on the 2nd floor. Updated, spacious and comfortable. I could sit there for hours! The kids loved it and were so excited to take out some books. Really nice way to spend an afternoon. We'll be back! read more

They have books and stuff, but they also have a Wii in the teen room with LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007) on it. 10/10 I would go just for that Wii. read more

The Barrington Public Library is a great one. The library itself is in great condition with plenty of lounging areas, a computer area, clean restrooms and friendly staff. They are part of the Ocean State Libraries system so their full catalog can be accessed online. Books and other media are easily reserved from the comfort of your own home. There is a playground on the same grounds for kids and parking for the library/playground is plenty but does fill up sometimes. One thing to note is that the library's late charges don't always get cleared from your account after you've paid them but they will clear the charge if you remind them that you already paid a late fee....not that you should ever have late fees! :) They are open until 9pm on summer weekdays which I think is great! read more

I travel to study at this library. It's definitely worth it. The atmosphere motivates me as if I'm in a library. It's filled with resources, aides and informed staff. A library should be a place where you lose hours while reading. My favorite read more

Brought my granddaughter today. This library has been a family favorite for decades. She adores the playground. Another great day.

My little bookworm loves the Barrington Public Library. The library is hands down my two-year-old daughter's favorite place in town. While relatively small, our local library is a great place to spend a cold or rainy day. Heck, it's a great place to spend any day! They have regular classes for tots and babies. Our toddler really enjoys the Book Look program. She also loves the children's room - and could play in there for hours. We try to take advantage of all of the great things this library has to offer. Recently, the library hosted a book sale and we walked out with two bags of books for only $4! My only wish is that they had more programming for little ones during the "off" periods. The programs mainly seem to run while school is in session, but there's not much in the summer, at least not for toddlers. I should also add that the playground next door is a nice bonus! read more

No thank you. I will not be returning to this library. I will specifically discuss the children's area on the second floor & the playground: -- The librarians are completely rude giving you unpleasant looks as though you are the slime of the Earth. Don't even bother to ask whether your child can hold "Rudy" the guinea pig. -- The playground is wonderfully maintained and a fun place for the children to play. However, BEWARE of the b*tchy mother clans who sit around talking about meaningless artificial drivel. Serves me right for even bothering with this town's amenities. It's too bad the snotty people just plain ruin this library. I will be looking for a more pleasant environment to expose my children to. read more

This is a great one...and we'll kept..ppl a are friendly and helpful...they also have a wonderful playground Very Well kept and maintained for the kids..just a nice experience all around read more

Taking my kids to this Library is a treat, I can't really speak to the adult sections, but the kid's room, located on the second level, is fantastically awesome. It is loaded with books (as it should be) many of which are arranged in easily accessible (low to the ground) bins. We always discover great new titles to try out. There is a play area rug with tons of toys to engage the younger kids, plus plenty of kids sized tables and soft seating to create a very comfortable, welcoming environment. The guinea pig in his cage is an interesting feature. I always feel a little sorry for him hiding in there all by himself, although I imagine he is well cared for. The best thing about this particular library as far as kids are concerned is that it's adjacent to one of the best playgrounds in RI, which is located directly behind Barrington Town Hall, and shares a parking lot with the Library. So you can easily make a full morning (or afternoon) outing out your visit here. read more

What a beautiful library with friendly staff. The kids loved the playground- which is clean and well maintained. We set a home base at one of the picnic tables in the shade and enjoyed a few hours of fresh air and fun. read more

Pretty setting, wonderful old building, surprisingly good collection. I like how they have a lot of classic movies, which should be the rule rather than the exception for public libraries (seriously, North Providence, how many copies of Fast and Furious do you need?). read more