Take an Introduction to PPL Special Collections Tour!

Looking for a fun opportunity to learn a bit about some of the Library's unique treasures? Join our Special Collections Librarian Jordan Goffin for an introductory tour of PPL's Special Collections.  Tours will be offered weekly on Fridays at 3:00 pm. No need for an appointment. Simply come to the Special Collections department on the third floor.

PPL Special Collections

The Providence Public Library Special Collections Department is comprised of several distinct collections of over 40,000 books, manuscripts, pamphlets, ephemera, newspapers, maps, broadsides, art, and artifacts, representing over four thousand years of human history and culture. All materials are non-circulating, and must be used in the department (with the exception of the Rhode Island Collection). Visitors are welcome at any time, but appointments are strongly suggested. For more information and to make an appointment, please e-mail the Special Collections Librarian.

Overview of Our Collections

Special Collections houses materials on a variety of topics. The following are the major collection areas:

General Collection   
Checkers (Draughts) Collection
Children's Books
Civil War & Slavery Collection
Irish Culture Collection
Law & Legal History Collection
Magic Collection
History of Printing Collection
Rhode Island History
Whaling Collection
Whist Collection

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