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.

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.

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.

I visited this library today for the first time. I was drawn in by the old beautiful building from…read morethe outside. They have a gazebo outside that I could picture would be nice spot to sit and read in, in nicer weather. When I walked inside, I was greeted warmly and all the staff that I encountered were friendly. To the left was a room with a table and a fireplace, all decorated for Christmas. It was nice to look at! The library itself is small, but offers a good variety of books. Downstairs is an entire Children's section of books, but also includes a few different play areas. I loved this idea and could see kids having some fun here! This was such a great atmosphere, and I'd definitely be back again.

In praise of…read morePenny The Swansea Library is a wonderful old building. It was built back in 1899 out of huge blocks of lovely granite and just oozes charm and character. Friendly, comfy, useful and interesting. On of the most charming things about the library is Penny the kitty. She is about 14 years old and has spent her entire life in the library; There have been other cats calling this library home before Penny and it's been quite a while since there hasn't been a kitty here. Unfortunately early this year a rather self centered and attention seeking individual with a long history of litigation and desire to get his name in the news decided that he was offended by the presence of this quiet, clean and gentle creature and that Penny had to go. He threatened to sue the library, town and just about anyone else he could think of if Penny wasn't immediately removed from the library. No debate, no compromise. He didn't like Penny so she had to go. Didn't matter what anyone else thought. Fortunately it turned out that little Penny had lots of friends that were willing to take on the arrogant bully. The articles about Penny and the lawsuit went viral and thousands of signatures and letters started pouring in demanding that Penny be allowed to stay in her home. The support for Penny was overwhelming and all the attention made the lawsuit and man seem ridiculous. So as bullies usually do when people stand up to them, the self centered, attention seeking guy decided he was getting far too much attention and stopped his lawsuit. So Penny still sleeps quietly in her little box over the heating vent. Unassuming and beautiful she represents everything good about the library and small town. Good people did something and this time evil and arrogance did not triumph.

A local treasure of history and culture. On levels with so many historic homes in New Englsnd and…read moreyet to say you know Bristol or even RI history without visiting here you have cheated yourself. Be challenged and be awed by beauty, architecture, and history. And do not miss it!

I have been to Linden Place many times and I thought it was about time to write a review of this…read morebeautiful colonial home and museum. Linden Place was built in 1810 by George DeWolf. When the sea was America's highway, the DeWolf family ruled along with the Browns of Providence, and as with the Brown family, the DeWolfs made their money in trading slaves. George's family and descendants occupied the house for 177 years until the Friends of Linden Place, a non-profit group, assumed ownership in 1988. Perhaps the most famous occupant was Colonel Samuel Pomeroy Colt, George's grandson. He started Industrial Trust Bank which later became Fleet and he formed U.S. Rubber which became today's Uniroyal Tires. This house is considered the "architectural crown jewel" of Bristol and it is important to the social history of the town as well. Walking around the house with a guided tour, you can hear and learn about the history of the house and the town, bright time and dark times. Learning about the slave trade is important because it was a part of our history, even though it was a sad one. The decor is exquisite, with the furniture, chandeliers, artwork and interior design set the same way it was in the 19th century. We have also enjoyed the outside grounds during wedding receptions, concerts, special events. The grounds are always immaculate so the events outdoors always shine. A beauty of Colonial architecture in Bristol.

We were strolling around the neighborhood and stumbled on this museum and show. Met by a very…read morepleasant greeter, we were asked to consider a donation which we gladly did! Bright, small, and intimate, we took a moment to enjoy the art shows. What I discovered was sketch books throughout that you are encouraged to use. I, who have no talent, even enjoyed a few moments of introspection and doodled. My wife, who is very talented, did the same! It's a worthwhile place to visit and support.

Beautiful, intimate art museum with great artists and programs. I particularly enjoyed the…read moremeditation hour they have on Friday mornings, so wonderful. Would highly recommend!

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!

A good spot in Bristol for a well made cocktail and a solid menu. Variably busy depending on time…read moreof day. Worth checking out.

The atmosphere is excellent. The restaurant is built in an old warehouse, but they've done an…read moreexcellent job of making it welcoming and warm, while keeping the historic character. I got oysters, which were fresh and shucked properly. It's summer, so they weren't the best oysters ever, but there's nothing the restaurant can do about summer oysters. The beer selection is good, and the waitstaff is top notch. No complaints!

DO NOT GO HERE. the view is pretty you are on the water. The campus is nice. The staff absolutely…read moresuck. The parking on campus is a nightmare. the advising staff is horrible. tuition is high. There are much better options this place absolutely sucks, it is a wait for everything.

Beautiful campus, great people, awesome times! Highly…read morerecommended!!