Program areas at Providence Athenaeum
Circulating library: the Providence Athenaeum has always been dedicated to serving the general reader and public. The library houses some 175,000 books, including contemporary titles and materials on cd and dvd. The Athenaeum selects the best published materials available each year in a variety of subjects for the informed reader. Our collections are accessible onsite and through an automated cataloging system, and a continually updated website. During fiscal year 2022-23, we added 1,325 items, circulated 24,918 items, answered 109 reference questions, and conducted 26 research appointments.
Historic preservation of collections and building: the Athenaeum's collections and historic building are maintained in the spirit of its founders in order to enrich the lives of all who enter its granite walls. The Athenaeum, known by its handsome greek revival building, maintains special collections that are valuable and rare. Our collections highlight the strengths of the Providence Athenaeum and its antecedents since 1753, in documenting the history of the book and book culture in Providence during the 18th and 19th centuries. The building & grounds committee, a board committee oversees the building, furnishings, and grounds of the Providence Athenaeum, prioritizes the need for elective repairs or changes and makes recommendations to the board of directors on how to proceed.
Public programs: the Providence Athenaeum offers year-round children's programs, including story hours, arts and crafts, and seasonal events. Adults also enjoy a variety of lively programs such as poetry readings, lectures on travel, contemporary issues, and the arts. During fiscal year 2022-23, we hosted 36 children's events with 538 attending, 216 adult programs with 9,304 attending, and curated 5 exhibits and 38 tours.