Few People Know The Oldest Library In America Is Here in Rhode Island

New England is full of historic libraries. Between the Ivy League schools and all of the colonial settlements, you might not guess that Newport holds a unique claim for bibliophiles. As it happens, though, the town's Redwood Library and Athenaeum is actually the oldest community library in America still operating in its original building.

Established in 1747 by a group of colonists, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum was open to the public from the start, though it required (and continues to require) a membership fee.

During the Revolutionary War, the library was used as an officers' club, and many books were lost. However, nearly all of the original collection has been replaced over the years. Of course the library has also expanded its holdings, and now has a significant art collection as well.

The library's Reading Room is an absolutely perfect place to settle in with a book. With soaring ceilings and light streaming in through the windows, the setting is perfect for intellectual thought.

You'll feel like you're in a scene from Downtown Abbey - it's hard not to be inspired to dive into a classic in a setting like this.

Even the chairs are perfectly cozy, all well broken in by generations of readers absorbed in their books for hours.

You'll find a new (old) treasure everywhere you turn in this magnificent space.

You can even check out the 18th century equivalent of a due slip!

If you need a breath of fresh air, the library grounds are also full of peaceful spots for contemplation.

You can visit the Redwood Library and Athenaeum at 50 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840. Admission is free if you have a Rhode Island library card, or $10 otherwise. For details and hours, visit the library's website.

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