I'm challenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island this year and I…read morestarted 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.

Such a good playground especially for a wide range of children. I love taking the kids I babysit…read morefor 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.

I am challenging myself to visit more of the libraries around the state. I had time to spare and I…read morewas in the area so I decided to stop by. There is a few parking spaces right in front of the building, a bigger lot at the rear of the building, and plenty of street parking so lots of options. I am not sure if the park is part of the library but there is a grassy area with a huge tree in the center and a play house in the far back for kids to play. I noticed the fish tank when I walked in, and later, their library of things (appliances, games, gadgets, etc. to borrow) caught my attention. There are a few good things in their collection, but it is a bit less impressive compared to other libraries. I noticed they had a plant corner which was really cool and were giving seeds away to encourage patrons to garden. The computer lab is in the center of the library, with tables to study along the perimeter of the library and books scattered throughout organized by genre. There is a rack with puzzles where you can freely take a box and give a box which I think is a good exchange program for those like myself who like to do puzzles but not store them. I am sure there were other cool things about this library but I did not do much more exploring. I think it was one floor only. There is a kids section and they do have clean bathrooms.

I've been coming here for 7 years. My dog Danny is the library dog. All the staff is sweet, kind,…read morepatient and accommodating. Although we spend most of our time in the Children's section - everyone is so helpful and we have watched a million interactions. They even have a plant exchange in the back! 10/10 recommend!

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.

What a charming old library. While it is free to visit, there is a suggested donation of $5. When…read moreyou enter you'll sign in and get a visitor sticker. It seems like there are options to become a member so you can use the space to study and work. While exploring, there were quite a few people working in the space. There is a huge selection of books and I love how it's organized. I really enjoyed the basement section that held the history of the space and some of the very first books that survived the fire that burnt its predecessor. The staff is friendly and kind. There were restrooms downstairs. I loved visiting.

Came here with little to no expectations but it ended up being one of my favorite spots in the…read morearea. $5 suggested donation /person admission Very quiet but cozy library. Feels like an amazing place to study and take a second to read. Highly recommend a visit for anyone coming out of state. Definitely would enjoy coming back for a whole day.

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.

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!

When I saw the opportunity to make my own three dimensional leather rose listed on the June Events…read moreat Rochambeau library newsletter, I immediately registered by emailing rocadults@clpvd.org to reserve my seat. Registration is suggested. The event was held on Saturday, June 28 in MakerSpace starting at 3:30pm. When I entered Rochambeau library, there was a sign that gave instructions to MakerSpace. Cassidy introduced herself and there were 6 of us for the event. We sat at the desks with all the supplies and Cassidy informed us we have the option for a mini or a large leather rose. Most of us chose the large leather rose. First, Cassidy instructed us to cut the petals out of the leathercraft pattern for 3-D Leather Roses by Annie Libertini. Using the pattern, we then traced the shape onto the leather. Next, we soaked the leather with water. This helps the leather pliable and easier to mold. We pinched, twisted, and rolled the leather into the tight center of a rose. Using a bottle cap as a base, we put the outer shell and the inner shell of the rose together with some leather glue. Lastly, we just have to allow the petals to dry over night. The next day, the petals were dry and they held their shape. Cassidy was very friendly, very knowledgeable about leather, and gave instructions that were easy to follow. Rochambeau library has many different events, so I'm sure there is something for everyone.

My home town library. So many memories here. Hundreds of hours were spent here…read more I used to go in with my little sisters. I used to read to them. Which created a love of books for them, that they carried to adulthood. The librarians were always so incredibly nice to us. I have nothing but fond memories here. Thank you

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!