Hours:
September-May: M-Th. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., F-Sa. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Su. 1-5 p.m.; June-August: M-Th. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., F 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sa. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Price:
Free admission
Type:
Monuments & Historic Sites
Open since 1838, the Athenaeum potentially has books overdue by more than 150 years. The library, designed by architect William Strickland, showcases Greek revival architecture and serves as a great place to explore and read. Note that it’s an independent membership library, so only members may check out books. Historically, the library has been a hangout for writers, including Edgar Allen Poe. Some interesting trivia: Providence poet Sarah Helen Whitman dumped then-boyfriend Poe at the Athenaeum after she learned Poe had started drinking again. Another fun fact? There’s Gothic fountain outside reads “Come here everyone that thirsteth.” Legend has it that visitors who drank the fountain’s water (fed by the Pawtuxet River) were sure to return. Don’t try it—these days, the water is too polluted to drink.