Maury Loontjens Memorial Library used to be called The Narragansett Public Library for years…read more Recently (maybe 2 or more years ago,) the name was changed to memorialize someone who if you asked anyone on the street who he was wouldn't have a clue. That is okay though because in Rhode Island everyone who knows this library will still be calling it the Narragansett Library until the day everyone remembers it was called that dies. That's how Rhode Islanders operate. This library used to be a rinky-dink place with only about 2 rooms. It has expanded into 5 or more since the 1970's. I'm estimating this so don't take my word for granted. I just know, growing up that this was a cute little library that wasn't very big and wasn't very active. Now it has 4 basic computer/internet classes and shows movies on Tuesday nights. It has Book Clubs and Book Talks, story times for preschoolers and kindegarteners, a Scrabble Scramble, card crafting, tutorials on e-books and even a "friends meeting". Much much more than 20 years ago I'd say. Like most libraries, their website is full of things to do as far as the library goes. You can even temporarily apply for a member card. One of the better ideas is an account that helps you remember that your borrowed books are coming due. Sign up for an Elf account to help yourself remember! Like all libraries too they have an online book search. You don't just get a list of books from The Narragansett Library, you get a list of all the books from all the libraries that are connected with this library through the Ocean States Library Catalog. Although the building has grown the atmosphere hasn't changed much. They've added a little area where you can sit on a comfy couch or relax in some stuffed chairs to read the paper or a book. They have the computer rooms in the back as well as the stacks. Yes of course technology has been accepted into the libraries now. I still would rather read a book with pages than an e-book. And I still consider the library one of the better public places where quiet is encouraged and children should be watched. This library is small but it is located next to the Narragansett Fire and Police stations in The Pier. It is down the street from the Narragansett Town Beach too. I dare say that this is probably one of the best places to relax inside and out. There is a public bathroom outside in the parking lot as well as one inside the building. The Pier Marketplace is next door (but not full of any really useful shops anymore.) For a relaxing day take a walk on The Wall then come to the library and read a book or the paper. You can also use the computers if you wish to jump on the Net.

I still love this library- very well kept up and great resources overall…read more I took a really cool music industry class for free here- just a fantastic Downtown resource! Again- I just wish they were open later with extended hours. Clean bathrooms and nice drinking fountains to fill up your reusable water bottles... I will definitely be checking out more of their classes! *my go-to place to rent the newest movies and trendy books- they are the best!

I am proudly a public library nerd... for decades! And I love both of my local libraries:…read moreProvidence Public Library & Warwick Public Library - Apponaug branch. PPL has an old Dewey Decimal Classification storage cabinet which they use for seed distribution in the spring. I'm so excited to try growing tomatillos! #LibrariesForTheWin

Being the nerd that I am, I came here on my birthday. Since last year, I've been challenging myself…read moreto visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island. This was the 9th one I visited. It took us a couple seconds to figure out the entrance to the parking lot and the main entrance to the building. Since it was a Friday morning, it was almost empty and quiet. When you first walk in, the checkout counter is right in front of you and there were about two librarians who greeted us with a smile. I was gravitated towards a table on bicycling - apparently there are efforts to make at least southern RI more accessible by bike which is nice. They did have free little bike lights, so I took one. To the right of the table, the painted glass windows caught my eye. It gives a nice touch to the study tables they have there. There is a stand that has puzzles, I think to do there, but also to take home (this is perfect for people like me who like doing puzzles but don't like owning them). There is only one floor, but they have made good use of it as the material is well organized by genres and age groups. This includes movies in CD form. We did not spend too much time here but before leaving, we used the bathrooms. They are handicapped accessible, single person at a time use, and very clean.

Love this library. There's an upper and lower level. The staff is friendly and welcoming. They have…read morea section for all ages (children). They have computers that are available for use and printers as well.

How can I not give the oldest continuous lending library in America 5 stars. An outstanding space…read morewith helpful staff, I would definitely be a member if I lived in Newport. A very special place.

I can't believe I've been a member here for years & have yet to write a review! Yes, you heard…read moreright.. a member! This is a library that requires an annual membership to take out books from their vast collection, but the building is open to the public for browsing. In addition to many, many works of literature, the Redwood also houses an impressive collection of Newport maps and ephemera that a visiting history buff would love to see. They also offer community programming, such as classical and jazz concerts, a Shakespearean reading group, and even a Trivia Night for adults, complete with pizza and beer as part of a modest admission fee. Don't let the "members only" policy deter you from visiting! Tourists will definitely want to add this to their list, and I've known many a Newport local who's never stepped inside the Redwood, but really should. It's a truly gorgeous spot to have a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the City by the Sea, and a wonderfully historic hidden gem.

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!

Great clean library. My kids always have fun and the staff is so kind. We will…read moreContinue to bring them here regularly

A cozy place to…read moreread a book This library is located right in the middle of Apponaug on Route 1. It's not nearly as large or comprehensive as the main Warwick Library, but it does have it's peculiar small library charms. The book and periodical selection is rather thin and some of the shelves relatively empty. If you are looking for a particular or hard to find book you probably won't find it here. The library does have lots of old standards and best sellers and a motley collection of unusual books that look like they haven't been taken off the shelves in decades. The best part of the library are the comfy chairs and the nice sunny spots. Some plants are hanging around and the whole building smells very nice. A very homey and pleasant feel to the library and a great place to grab a book and enjoy some time reading in a very cozy and comfortable place. The librarians are helpful but readily admit that they don't have that much research material and quickly but pleasantly refer you to the larger main library if are asking for a bit too much. Certainly not the largest or best equipped library around. But it is a great spot to find a comfy chair in a nice sunny spot and spend some time with a good book.

We love the charm and quaintness of this library but the staff are incredibly rude and unwilling to…read morework with members. If a certain book is taken out that has special features library staff should make that member aware of the features rather than assuming the member knows how to use it and then charge outrageous late fees with no shame. We will not be going back.

A long time ago, in a…read moreplace far, far away Many libraries in New England go back quite a ways. Books were somewhat rare and expensive and the average person had access to very few so the idea of libraries caught on quickly. Many of the early libraries were roving libraries where a person went around with some books and an individual paid to keep the book until the roving library returned. The idea of "free" libraries was a somewhat new and radical idea that took a while to catch on. The very first roving library in Little Compton was way back in 1811. Perhaps this was because Little Compton is on a peninsula and very isolated and hard to get to or maybe the people around there really loved books. Move permanent places to keep books developed over the decades until the Brownell Library was finally constructed in 1929. The library is a pleasant brick building with the usual books, magazines and computers but it also has a cool fireplace, some antiques, interesting paintings on the wall of early librarians and of course the guy who came up with the money for the building, Pardon Brownell. The library today is a cozy and friendly place with some helpful, knowledgeable and amiable librarians. Little Compton is one of those "you can't get there from here" places but the Brownell Library is such a cool and unique New England library that it is worth the trip way out to Little Compton to visit.

Nice new building lots of books…read more comfy chairs and a big lizard Exeter Public Library was opened in 2004, which makes it the youngest library in the state. Everything is still very clean and smells really nice. No disgusting stains on the carpet and no wads of gum under the tables. The kids haven't had time to mess it up yet. Hopefully the floods of the last few days haven't washed it away. The library isn't particularly large but does have a decent selection of new books, periodicals and reference sources. Not a lot of cool ancient books or historical material but considering the age of the library that isn't surprising. The library is spacious and well lit. Not a bad seat in the house and lots of comfy chairs and places to spead out. The people working here were very gracious and helpful in answering my stupid questions and seem pleasant and amiable. Outside is a nice size parking lot and even a playground for kids that need to burn off some energy before going into a quiet and confined space. The library has the usually bake sales, used book sales, plant sales and you can even get a tote bag and a crummy t-shirt with the libraries name on it. Various lectures and some cool music performances are held. The library is a nice place to stop when going thorough the small town if you need directions, some reference materials or to use a nice clean bathroom. They even have a cool lizard and some nice plants. It might be the newest library in the state but it is also one of the friendliest and most pleasant.