A library where George…read morereally did sleep This building is old, really old, that much is obvious to the most casual observer. So much history is contained within those venerable walls that I wouldn't be surprised if the whole structure simply explored with all the speeches, words and great things that were said and done here. The original building was built back in about 1775, yep that's old. Back then they didn't have planes, trains or even many roads to transport materials so most of the wood and stone for the building's construction came from local sources. That was the only way to do things back then. The building originally served as a country court house and also as one of the first five state houses for the very first general assembly. And yes a guy name George Washington did really sleep here as well as other great Americans like Col John Trumbull, Gen Horatio Gates, Col Tench Tilghman and a whole bunch of continental troops just looking for trouble. In 1876 the town decided to change the entire building to conform with the rather somber Victorian styles that were popular at the time. Lots of alterations were made, including moving the cool old, funky belfry to the very top of the roof and changing the old gable roof with a mansard. Other dramatic changes were made inside so that the old original building was no longer recognizable. In 1895 a new court house was built and the first floor became the new library. More renovations, some pretty involved took place over the years but the building retains it's unique and very cool look. It still serves as a modern and useful library but the whole place is just so cool the fact that the building serves as a functional library is irrelevant. There is history in here, the walls and floors are literally dripping with it. Some of the most important words in American history just might have been spoken here. Listen careful and you just might hear ol' George and his buddies still speaking.

Wow. They erased my review. I guess the reason is that was not a good one.I heard…read morethey can erase any bad reviews as long as they pay some kind of fee to yelp. That makes sense I guess.

A great library to stop and get some work done. Plenty of tables spread around the space, both on…read morethe upper and lower floors. There are also more cozy chair options if you are here to read. I love the view over the water. My only complaint is it took me a little while to find a table that had access to a power outlet - go to the lower level, take a left, and go all the way to the end! Also! They have a plant exchange!!!! Such a lovely idea. Bring a plant cutting to leave and take a new friend home :)

I have lived in this town close to 46 years. The library has long been an excellent resource and a…read morepleasant place to go to for programs and reading materials, plus access to computers and print outs before I had my own printer!

Being the nerd that I am, I came here the day after my birthday. Since last year, I've been…read morechallenging myself to visit all public libraries in the state of Rhode Island. This was the 11th one I visited. My friend and I came on a Saturday morning. I don't think they have a parking lot, but we found street parking right by the entrance. It reminded me more of an admin building when I walked in. To the left is a book sale, and to the right are the stairs to the main floor. There were lots of happy kids in the children's section. Down the hall, they have the walls lined with lots of information, including subsidized tickets to different events and places including the bird sanctuary nearby. They also have an extensive and well diversified library of tools and equipment to loan for a week including sporting gear, home repair tools, yard tools, games, and even a telescope. I was impressed. On my way out, I also saw a an ad for a free account to Mango through the library, which is a language learning platform (perfect for my journey to learning French).

Parking is easy behind the building. Staff are always so kind and sweet. The children's area is…read morealways such a treat for my kiddos to go visit and enjoy a little play time with friends.

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.

My boyfriend and I are on a quest to visit every library in Rhode Island, and even after years and…read moreyears of living in the surrounding area and performing with a theatre company in town, I have actually never been to the Jamestown Philomenian Library up until yesterday! And what a mistake it was to stay away for so long! This library is smaller than some of the other ones we have visited around the state, but does not lack in charm or comfort at all. Step inside, and you'll find an ample selection of literature, lots of DVDs, and tons of community meeting space, from private conference rooms to a larger room that's used for everything from guest speakers to movie screenings (they're free! We'll be back for one soon!) There are also lots of cozy chairs to sit in and read, which is a perfect refuge for a cold island night. I could have stayed here all day! Pro tip! If you have the Ocean State Library Card, you can take out books from any of the libraries in the network, not just the one you got the card from. I learned this way too late after getting mine, and I'm glad the kind librarian here set the record straight! I ended up leaving with a stack of novels, and the greatest foodie movie of all time, Chef, on DVD. Hey, I'm a Yelper at heart, what can I say?

What exactly is a…read more Philomenian? The library on the island of Jamestown is officially called the Jamestown Philomenian Library. Everyone knows what a library is but what the hell is a Philomenian? Don't bother looking it up in a dictionary because you won't find it. That's because the word doesn't mean anything. Philomenian is a word that doesn't really exist. It seems in times past people in eccentric places like islands use to enjoy making up words to describe their organizations to distinguish themselves from other equally bizarre organizations. They wanted to sound unique and you can't get any more unique than making up your own words. In the early 1800's a group of fellows on Jamestown wanted to start a debating club. So I suppose they had a debate and decided to called themselves the Jamestown Philomenian Debating Society. A few decades later they decided the island needed a library so they each donated one dollar and started what was called the Jamestown Philomenian Library. The fact that philomenian wasn't a word didn't seem to bother anyone. At first the library was just some books kept in people's houses. Very casual and unorganized. Finally in 1971 a building was built to house the books and in 1993 it was enlarged and modernized but still kept the name Jamestown Philomenian Library. Once again no one seem to mind the library has a word in it's name that doesn't really exist. The library today is actually quite large and modern considering the small amount of people it serves. However it never lost it's friendly, idiosyncratic and eccentric island charm. It not only serves as storage for tomes but also contains the Sydney Wright Museum with some cool artifacts and several meeting rooms that have various art exhibitions, story times for kids and some very cool concerts with local talent. A friendly place not just for books, but it also serves the purpose for interacting and socializing with neighbors. Certainly not the largest or technologically advance library in the state but then that's part of the charm. The fact that the library has a word in it's name that doesn't really exist suits it quite well.

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.

This old colonial library is a beautiful piece of history here! There are so many colonial…read morepaintings hanging in the walls there, plus four from Gilbert Stewart who painted George Washington! Very interesting and very peaceful in there. It's a true work of art that goes back to the the 1740's! If you get a chance, VISIT! It is so worth it!

The best local public library any community could ask for! There is not only offer a full range of…read morereading - supplemented by a state wide network - but their on-site activities are spectacular! They have a special kids' room and programming. They offer movies, yoga, quilting and knitting groups and my favorite, the Tuesday afternoon mag Jong group! The employees (and volunteers) are wonderfully helpful and friendly adding a nice sense of comradery. Come down and use the computers or fax machine or just sit in the lovely, peaceful rooms and read!

Friendly staff and cozy environment! Great place with many activities available. There is something…read morehere for people of any age and staff are always happy to help.