The Providence Athenaeum — Attraction in Providence

This place is spectacular! It’s a lot smaller than the one in Boston, but it’s also a place that’s accessible to everyone, and you just pay what you can, which I think is a really great way of doing it.

The upper levels were very, very creaky. They made me a little nervous that the floor might not hold so I didn’t stay up there very long, but the layout of the building is so unique. It was really fun to get to climb the stairs and to see all of those ladders everywhere like something from beauty and the beast.

I also really appreciated the variety! I explored some of the reformation writers, and then I went downstairs and there were some books on display written about disability or Palestine or other important topics and I just appreciated being aware that these books exist! So much breadth in such a small space.

I could not figure out how to access the elevator. The handicap parking spot is out front at the very base of a massive staircase. It’s also on a hill, so I think it said the elevator was around back, but you would have to go up the hill to get to it, which is for all practical purposes not accessible. The building is really really old so that’s probably why.

I took those stairs very slowly, and I did make it up, and it was...

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...

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...