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All 97 Newport Attractions »

Redwood Library & Athenaeum

50 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
401 847 0292
Ranked #2 of 11 shopping in Newport
4.5 of 5 stars 6 Reviews
Type: Libraries, Art Galleries, Gardens, Historic Sites
Description: Dating back to 1750, this is the oldest subscription library in the United States.
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6 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    2
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Date Rating
tapit
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2012

I love this place. it actually gives the feel of a private club with leather chairs and reading nooks, great art exhibits, wonderful books you can't find elsewhere. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and its programs are innovative. Does it sound like I'm in love with the Redwood? I am!

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Intervale, NH
Top Contributor
136 reviews 136 reviews
Reviews in 83 cities Reviews in 83 cities
102 helpful votes 102 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

First off the admission is by donation so you could go and not leave a dime but they are a private facility and depend on memberships, grants and donations to continue. Built in 1747. Building designed by Peter Harrison completed in 1750. Collection boasts of 6 original Gilbert Stuart paintings and other 17th & 18th century portraits, sculpture, furniture and... More

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Warwick, Rhode Island
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 July 2011
4
people found this review helpful

We were stunned to find such the old fashion charming library. We recommend to visit the library and it is free. I ended up buying a few things at the gift shop that I could not find any where else.

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Haverhill
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

The very existence of this old lending library ( the oldest in America ) restores one's faith in the survival of such academic institutions. And , believe it or not , here is a library where peace and quiet reigns, and there are books to be read rather than keyboards to be tapped..Tourists are made welcome and the reference books... More

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Tokyo, Japan
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 August 2010
1
person found this review helpful

This library was beautiful, history, and free to visit. I had a rather large shoulder bag with me, so I had to check it in at the front desk (the one on the right). The lady at the desk, who had given us a brief and informative introduction to the library, said she would guard my bag "with her life."... More

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Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Top Contributor
751 reviews 751 reviews
Reviews in 242 cities Reviews in 242 cities
763 helpful votes 763 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 June 2006
6
people found this review helpful

The Redwood Library is what you would expect from a classic historical library. There is a quiet elegance about it--there is great art and displays. You have to be a member to take out books, but the public can visit for free and you can read the materials in the library. You get the feeling that you have stepped back... More

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