Providence Athenaeum
A Greek Revival members' library from 1838, where Edgar Allan Poe once courted the poet Sarah Whitman.
The Providence Athenaeum is one of the oldest membership libraries in the United States. The current building dates to 1838, and behind its Doric columned portico are two levels of wooden book galleries, a spiral staircase and antique globes, creating a quiet, classical atmosphere. Edgar Allan Poe courted the poet Sarah Whitman here, one of many literary anecdotes associated with the library. Non-members can enter free to view the ground-floor and second-floor galleries, so please keep your voice down. Weekend opening hours are shorter.
Opening hours
Approx. Mon–Thu 10:00–19:00; shorter hours Fri–Sun
Nearby sights
- RISD Museum
- John Hay Library
- Benefit Street
- First Baptist Church in America
- WaterFire & Waterplace Park
- Brown University
- John Brown House Museum
- Prospect Terrace Park