It's where the books are!

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum of Newport RI is the oldest lending library in America, and the oldest library building in continuous use in the country. Founded in 1747 by forty-six proprietors upon the principle of "having nothing in view but the good of mankind," its mission continues over 250 years later.

Established over 100 years before the first tax supported library, the Redwood is an independent subscription library. It is supported by membership fees, endowments, and gifts. In the true spirit of an athenaeum, books, lectures, exhibitions, displays of fine and decorative arts, performances, seminars, and other educational activities are offered for both members' and the public's enjoyment.

Today, the Redwood cares for more than 160,000 volumes, archives and manuscripts as well as an important collection of fine and decorative arts.

The Library is open without charge to qualified scholars, researchers, and those making occasional use of the collections.

The Redwood Library is open the following hours:
Tuesday - Thursday from 9:30 - 8:00 PM.
Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 9:30 - 5:30 PM.
Sundays hours are 1:00 - 5:00 PM.

Visit the Redwood when you are in Newport at 50 Bellevue Avenue or give them a call at (401) 847-0292 . Of course you can also visit them online