Tucked away under tree cover, the Davisville Free Library has proved a small but charming and useful asset to the community. Built in 1917, the building serves as a library and a meeting space for Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops, Homeschool Chess Club, a knitting circle and numerous other organizations. A member of Ocean State Libraries, the Davisville Free Library also has a working fireplace, used primarily in the winter. Dogs are welcome — just bring a leash.
Originally a few shelves at the back of a mid-1800's one-room schoolhouse on Oliphant Lane, today's town library at 700 West Main Rd. can now accomodate a collection of 80,000 items thanks to renovations completed in 2003.
The Middletown Library has also remained true to its early education roots, as it continues to host lectures by world-reknowned authors, financial education seminars and other community classes, as well as enrichment activities like the Toastmasters public speaking club, and teen programs such as summer movies.
For the kids, there are summer reading programs and drop-in storytimes.
Part of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) network, the Middletown Public Library offers card holders Internet access to search the Library Catalog from any computer onsite. Its website also hosts an impressive series of links to community resources, digital downloads and engaging and interactive tools including blogs for teens and kids. For more information, visit: http://www.middletownpubliclibrary.org/Community-Links
~ Celebrating 130 years of service to the community ~
Greenville Public Library serves members of the Greenville area, offering a range of services such as adult programs and book clubs, senior computer classes, children's story hours, homework help for children and teens and access to library telescopes.
There is a book drop located near the wheelchair entrance.
E-Books are available with a Greenville Library or Ocean State Libraries library card.
There is also a printable calendar of events available on the website.
The East Smithfield Public Library offers a wide collection of materials available to the residents of Smithfield, including books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, magazines, puzzles and more. It also provides access to computers, copy machines and faxing services. The facility has a conference room available for community events. The library holds a variety of programs for children, teenagers and adults, including storytimes and summer reading programs.
Built in 1978, the public library is in integral part of the community and offers an extensive collection of reference, fiction, non-fiction, teen and children's literature. Patrons can also borrow DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs and books on tape with their library card.
The library has a large selection of online databases for visitors to use on public computers, including Ebsco Host, World Book Online and Heritage Quest.
The staff is very knowledgable, attentive, and always ready and willing to help their patrons find what they are looking for.
Families are encouraged to visit the library together, as frequent events are held for every age group, such as Story Hour (in the bright and cozy children's section) and book discussion groups.
The William Hall Library was the first official public library in Cranston when it opened as the Edgewood Library 1897 in a small house at the corner of Park and Warwick Avenues.
Hall, a prominent businessman, established a fund to form the library in his will. He died in 1916.
Hall (1837-1916) was an entrepreneur and a well-respected member of the Cranston community, serving on the Cranston City Council, state Senate and House of Representatives. He was never defeated in his numerous runs for office and legend has it he started his first business at 18 with just $50, selling fruits and vegetables from a small market on Broad Street.
The library was renamed in 1921 after the Edgewood Free Public Library was transitioned into the new William H. Hall Free Library, run by a board of trustees envisioned in Hall's will. After a lengthy public debate, a new, elegant building was built on the grounds of Hall's former mansion on Broad Street. It was opened to the public on Nov. 13, 1927.
The building combines elements of Georgian and Italian Renaissance design with a curved arches over the loggia and white pillars. Three double glass and bronze doors open to an impressive, high-cieling interior.
The library boasts a large collection of fiction, nonfiction, reference and children's books. It also serves as a community center and gathering place.
Though he was childless, Hall was an ardent supporter of learning and children's issues. Long after his death, the William H. Hall Library stands as a monument to his desire to enrich the lives of Cranston's youth.
