The Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Getting married in a library usually means you can wander among the books, but you actually have to use a completely different space for your ceremony. Here, you actually have your ceremony in the stacks! A book lovers dream! You can have both your ceremony and reception here and I have seen 2 weddings with around 100 guests fit well. I don't know if you could honestly fit many more guests though comfortably. The Athenaeum allows you to take photos almost anywhere in the library and is very responsive and accommodating- it's not like one of those massive "wedding factories". They don't do many weddings, so it's a lot more relaxed. The reception area/dance area is broken up downstairs by the stairs coming down in the middle of the room, so you can easily divide dinner from dancing. However, neither space is particularly large so you *can* dance and do the hora, but it's narrow. If you have any guests with mobility issues, there are a lot of stairs both getting into the venue, going down to the reception area, etc. But they do have entrances that are accessible but you'll need to think ahead to make it run smoothly.
Kelly PrizelKelly Prizel
120
This is a pretty cool historical library. I came for the self guided tour but several rooms are for members only, even sitting down at a desk is reserved for members. And the rare book room was for staff only, the lights weren't even on to look inside. It's very stuffy inside when it's hot out. I was surprised that you have to pay to be a member when almost every other library around is completely free. If you are under 35 you get a lower rate ($65) - I'm not sure why older people have to pay more. The membership "benefits" are what you get for free at any other library. The tour information even said that there are very few membership libraries left since they were turned into public libraries and made totally free for the community. I wish this place would do the same and make it more accessible.
Erika G.Erika G.
50
Beautiful library with self-guided tours. There’s a suggested donation of $5 per person and they take credit card and cash. You have to check in by going to the office on the left hand side to get a sticker before you can walk around the library. There were plenty of members also studying/reading while we walked around and since it’s so quiet, be mindful of your squeaky shoes. There’s a mezzanine area as well as a downstairs part which houses the old artwork and some very comfy chairs. If you’re just doing the self-guided tour, you could spend half an hour to an hour, depending on how in-depth you’d like to go.
Shanelle SShanelle S
30
Beautiful historic library with a special collection of rare books. It’s truly the “stuff of dreams.” Admission is pay what you can for nonmembers. The suggested donation is $5. Even though I have always thought of libraries as a democratic offering that should be free and open, I am thinking of purchasing a membership for the household, which would cost $200 a year. But if the constant chatter at the front desk doesn’t ever cease, I probably won’t shell out funds for a membership.
Lifelong LearnerLifelong Learner
20
As a college student, I’m always looking for cute places to study. This is the perfect place! Feels very homey and I’m always productive when I find a good table here. Not to mention, it is absolutely gorgeous inside. I also went to their holiday party which was super cute! They had snacks and poetry reading in their beautiful space. I highly recommend checking it out if you are visiting or becoming a member of you live nearby!
Vivian MillerVivian Miller
40
It's an old historical library, worth a visit if you like old and quiet places shelved with books. There are three floors, a small bathroom in the basement, main floor and 2nd floor where you'd find a semi enclosed place for writing and studying stepping over the crackling wood floor. They used to be free to visit. Now they really suggested a $5 donation. Technically people are still welcome to visit without a fee.
Aaron YangAaron Yang
10
Nearby Attractions Of The Providence Athenaeum
Providence Place
The Great Escape Room Providence
Omni Providence Hotel
Providence Performing Arts Center
Amica Mutual Pavilion
Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMAX
Graduate by Hilton Providence
RISD Museum
Waterplace Park
WaterFire

Providence Place
4.3
(5.2K)Click for details

The Great Escape Room Providence
5.0
(1.7K)Click for details

Omni Providence Hotel
4.2
(1.6K)Click for details

Providence Performing Arts Center
4.8
(1.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Providence Athenaeum
Dave & Buster's Providence
Plant City
Hemenway's Restaurant
Xaco Taco
PVDonuts
The Malted Barley
Providence Coal Fired Pizza
Fellini Pizzeria
Mokban Korean Bistro
Rooftop at the Providence G

Dave & Buster's Providence
4.2
(1.9K)$$
Click for details

Plant City
4.5
(1.3K)Click for details

Hemenway's Restaurant
4.6
(1.1K)Click for details

Xaco Taco
4.4
(967)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
251 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903
Map
Phone
(401) 421-6970
Call
Website
providenceathenaeum.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.8
(111 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Providence Athenaeum is an independent, member-supported subscription library in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. The building is open to the public, but only members can check out items from the collection.
attractions: Providence Place, The Great Escape Room Providence, Omni Providence Hotel, Providence Performing Arts Center, Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMAX, Graduate by Hilton Providence, RISD Museum, Waterplace Park, WaterFire, restaurants: Dave & Buster's Providence, Plant City, Hemenway's Restaurant, Xaco Taco, PVDonuts, The Malted Barley, Providence Coal Fired Pizza, Fellini Pizzeria, Mokban Korean Bistro, Rooftop at the Providence G

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