Libraries in Rhode Island are all linked so that books can be requested from any public library branch in the state and picked up or returned at any other branch. When we moved here, having a library within walking distance was a requirement. We love the convenience and the personal, knowledgeable librarians at our local Providence Community Library. We keep them busy with requests and processing our 10+ books a week. But I have a guilty pleasure in another library, a subscription library – the Providence Atheneaum. It is the 4th oldest subscription library still operating in the United States, operating since 1753. It is small by city library standards, but it is big on charm with velvet couches, original wood floors, a portrait of George Washington by Rhode Island native Gilbert Stuart, a wooden card catalogue, and a cozy children’s book nook. It is the type of library that you walk into and never want to leave.
Part of the charm of the Atheneaum is that you have to really be determined to go there. It is not in a residential part of town, its in the heart of the city sandwiched between Brown University and the RI Supreme Court. It is on a steep hill and has exactly five parking spaces. Five. Street parking for blocks and blocks is taken up by the university and the court. Going to the Atheneaum involves parking blocks away and taking a walk. The reward is once you arrive, you are one of six other patrons. It is easy to get lost and feel that this is your own dream home library. My kids just adore this library, walk and all.
Here are our favorite things:
All 12 volumes of Doctor Dolittle. We have only read one and a half volumes to the kids. I am determined to read them all at bedtime before K is 9.
The book nook, and the penguin.
We come to the Ahteneaum to get a good dose of book love.
The wooden dollhouse in the children library has been a favorite of K’s since he was 1. The kids call the Atheneaum the “Doll House Library”.
The beloved doll house.
Thinking outside the box, the kids use the flannel board and bring the doll house furniture down for play.
Since the Athenaeum is limited on space, the librarians appear to be very choosey as to what gets shelf space. One third of what I check out of the public library goes back immediately. Getting a children’s book published is apparently a little too easy. However I have never regretted any book choice from the Atheneaum. Less is more. They have done the sifting for me.