redwood library & athenaeum

This was a great little library where I was able to research my ancestors in a variety of books. The librarians were more than helpful and very courteous. Definitely worth the stop for doing research on genealogy or local history.

The work they have done to expand, upgrade and preserve this fascinating library complex is truly marvelous. Everything looks great and I particularly liked their new exhibit hall opposite the side entrance and the restored stick style house for the children's library and programs across the street. Most friendly staff and full of great paintings and decorative arts - a museum in inself.

Loved the architecture and collection of books. Just being there you feel like you're back in time. Very peaceful too!

A wonderful building dating back to the 18th Century, the Redwood is a book lovers dream. Stately and elegant, it has a large reading room with wide tables filled with the latest periodicals. Book selves line this room and create alcoves in which to sit and read. The library still has a card catalog in those wonderful old little drawers but computer terminals allow for 21st Century access to finding titles. There is also an exhibition space with changing shows of various subjects. Although this is a subscription library, guests are welcome. Worth a stop if you love to read

This is the oldest lending library in America. It is well-preserved and has a large collection of colonial era documents. architectural plans, photos, maps and letters of significant historical value. One can become a supporting member of the library, or just get a day pass for a visit. Either way,it is a great way to spend a rainy summer afternoon while in Newport.

My grandson was interested in this after reading about it. We walked there from our hotel on Thames in about 20 minutes on a drizzly day. It was a great spot to hang out for an hour or more, looking at exhibits and enjoying all sorts of reading material. It is free, but donations are accepted.The history of the library is very intriguing.

The library is worth a visit just to see the paintings and the very different collections.This time they had photos of men in tux over the years that was in glass cases.The real treat was the room with paintings by very famous artists.I recommend this library and it's interesting collections.

Architecture, artwork and a library of refinement. Just lovely and genteel. Worth a visit. And then a cup of tea.

This lovely little private subscription library founded in 1747 'is the oldest community library still occupying its original building in the United States'. It's mostly untouched and totally charming.

We stopped by when the weather was raining not knowing what to expect looking for inside things to do. The library has a lot of history and is worth a stop. There are some famous paintings including a large full length portrait of George Washington. Currently this is an interesting exhibit "Portraits of Interiors – Interior Illustrators in Newport Collections" showing sketchs/paintings made of various mansion interiors prior to construction. There is a suggested donation box but you can wait until the end to put in a donation. To support the library there are few souveniers or books you can also buy. Also the library sells used books, CDs, DVDs etc like many libraries do. Library has restroom and free WIFI.

We stopped in to take a look, and as we fished around for $10 9 "suggested donation" of $5 each for non-members), the woman at the desk watched us. When we dropped the money into the plexiglas box, she approached us to mention that the gallery was closed to prepare for their next exhibition, but that we were free to look at "these three rooms."We felt a little irritated at this—why didn't she say so during the time we were producing the money? But since the money goes to a good cause--maintenance of the building--shrugged it off. The library would be a neat place to visit as a member--reading rooms are high-ceilinged and light, and full of antique feel. The children's room had many editions that we knew when we were younger readers, and we both agreed that we'd spend lots of time there. The walls are ringed with portraits, but there's no obvious way to find out who the portraits are.

Great place to retreat from the busy streets and beaches of newport. My kuds love the puppets and the little playhouses

The oldest continuously operating public library in the country. Lots of history here, particularly of the founding of Newport and the Rhode Island. Check out the lecture series schedule on-line before coming to town, they have some fascinating speakers.

A must stop. This is one of the oldest libraries in the country...and the interior art work is proof alone. I love seeing original art work that I last saw in my history books. A must stop when in town

This library is housed in a building from the 1700s. The exhibitions, historical portraits and collections are excellent. Worth a visit.