Best Bookstores & Libraries in Providence, United States

1. Rhode Island School of Design Museum Library

A treasure trove for art and design enthusiasts with a vast collection spanning multiple disciplines.

Artistic Focus: Specializes in art and design books, rare archival materials, and exhibitions catalogs.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Research Resources: Offers research facilities for scholars and students.

Home to the largest private collection of books in Rhode Island with a rich historical focus.

Historical Collection: Houses rare and unique materials dating back to the 15th century.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Research Resources: Provides extensive research facilities for scholars and students.

A historic library offering a diverse range of books in a charming, antique setting.

Historic Architecture: Built in 1838, the Athenaeum boasts a Greek Revival design.
Community Hub: Serves as a community center for lectures, discussions, and cultural events.
Book Selection: Features a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference books.

A popular chain bookstore offering a vast selection of books, magazines, and gifts.

Chain Store: Offers a consistent experience with locations across the country.
Book Selection: Features an extensive collection of bestsellers and classic titles.
Café and Events: Includes a Starbucks café and hosts book signings, readings, and other events.

A cozy independent bookstore with a focus on literature, art, and poetry.

Independent Store: Offers a unique selection of books not found in chain stores.
Literary Focus: Specializes in literature, art, and poetry with a focus on local authors.
Community Gathering Place: Serves as a community gathering place for book clubs and events.

An art collective space offering books, records, and artist-led workshops.

Artistic Collective: Provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
Book Selection: Features an eclectic mix of books, records, and other art materials.
Community Workshops: Offers workshops in various art forms led by local artists.

A comprehensive library system serving students, faculty, and the general public.

Comprehensive Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, research materials, and electronic resources.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Research Resources: Provides extensive research facilities for scholars and students.

A rare book library specializing in American history and culture before the 19th century.

A research library focusing on Rhode Island's history, culture, and genealogy.

Local History Focus: Houses an extensive collection of materials related to Rhode Island's past.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Genealogy Resources: Provides genealogical resources for researching family history.

An antiquarian bookstore offering a wide selection of rare and out-of-print books.

Rare Books: Specializes in rare, out-of-print, and hard-to-find books.
Knowledgeable Staff: Staff is knowledgeable and eager to help customers find specific titles.
Antique Ambiance: Features a charming antique atmosphere with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

A vibrant community library offering a diverse range of resources and programming.

Community Hub: Serves as a community center for lectures, discussions, and cultural events.
Book Selection: Features a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference books.
Technology Resources: Offers computer access, Wi-Fi, and printing services.

A university library offering resources for students, faculty, and the general public.

Comprehensive Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, research materials, and electronic resources.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Research Resources: Provides extensive research facilities for scholars and students.

A children's library offering a wide range of books, activities, and programming.

Children's Focus: Specializes in books and resources for young readers.
Storytime Events: Hosts storytime events, puppet shows, and other activities for children.
Community Gathering Place: Serves as a community gathering place for families and children's groups.

A library offering extensive research resources for students and scholars.

Research Resources: Provides extensive research facilities for scholars and students.
Public Access: Open to the Brown University community, with some restrictions for non-affiliates.
Comprehensive Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, research materials, and electronic resources.

A library offering resources for students, faculty, and the general public on URI's Kingston Campus.

Comprehensive Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, research materials, and electronic resources.
Public Access: Open to the public with a valid library card.
Research Resources: Provides extensive research facilities for scholars and students.