THINK AGAIN | Building Transformation
What You Need to Know!
Our THINK AGAIN building renovation will begin this summer and is expected to last 12—18 months. As we prepare, here’s what you should know.
Transforming Providence Public Library
Learn how you can support PPL's THINK AGAIN Capital Campaign.
THE 150 EMPIRE STREET BUILDING IS CLOSED; BUT THE LIBRARY WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER LIMITED SERVICES - COME TO OUR WASHINGTON STREET ENTRANCE
- Library services will be offered primarily in the Providence Journal Rhode Island Room (accessible from Washington Street), where there will also be a small collection of high-demand and new materials.
- You will be able to access the Library for limited services and to pick up holds via Washington Street. Any outstanding PPL materials can still be returned to other OSL libraries.
- Access to computers will continue in Rhode Island Room; you will notice some changes.
- Information Services will continue throughout the renovation; PPL librarians will continue to answer questions in person, by phone, and by email. Access to online resources at ProvLib.org and ProvLibDigital.org will continue unaffected.
- PPL Learning Lounge and Computer Classes will take place in the Garden Courtyard. General public access to this space will be limited.
- Some scheduled programs and special events will continue at PPL during the renovation in the Library’s 1900 spaces (with access at 225 Washington Street), including some teen programs and monthly meetings. Children’s story times will resume on September 18. See details below.
- Our Book Drop on Empire St. is now unavailable. Please bring materials for return in to our check-out desk in the Rhode Island Room. Materials may also be returned to any Providence Community Library branches...the closest are Knight Memorial (275 Elmwood Ave.), Fox Point (90 Ives St.), and Smith Hill (31 Candace St.).
NEWLY EXPANDED HOURS
PPL's hours have been expanded and will remain in place through our ongoing renovation. New hours are as follows:
THE MAJORITY OF PPL MATERIALS ARE IN STORAGE
Currently, just a small but growing collection of PPL materials are available for holds or checkouts. Throughout the renovation, we will be providing updates on the availability of stored and new materials coming in weekly.
ITEMS REQUESTED FROM OTHER LIBRARIES CAN STILL BE PICKED UP AT PPL
Access to materials from other libraries, including interlibrary loan requests, will continue. We will continue to receive daily delivery of items requested from other libraries, which can be picked up at PPL.
SECOND, THIRD & FIFTH FLOORS ARE CLOSED
Access is currently limited to Level One and Garden Courtyard in our original building, including restrooms.
LIMITED ACCESS TO SPECIAL COLLECTIONS WILL CONTINUE BY APPOINTMENT
For access to PPL Special Collections during the renovation, please email us at special_collections@provlib.org to discuss making an appointment. For limited access to the Rhode Island Collections, contact Kate Wells, Curator of Rhode Island Collections, at ricoll@provlib.org.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE AT THE LIBRARY & OTHER LOCATIONS
These include the Learning Lounge, technology classes, story times, and more. We are pleased to announce the following programs and partner locations:
Library programs, including weekly Baby Steps for Infants, Cradle to Crayons Story times and Family Learning Sundays, which will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Providence at 300 Westminster St. beginning September 18.Please access all sessions through the CHAPEL STREET door. If you are in front of the church at 300 Westminster St., proceed to rear of the building by going around the corner to the rear door on Chapel Street. PPL staff will unlock the door at the start of each session so please be on time. After 30 minutes, staff will not be available until the start of the next session. All sessions are held on the 2nd floor and strollers must be left on the ground level. These sessions are not handicapped accessible.
ALL EVENTS SCHEDULED THROUGH MORINS CATERING & EVENTS WILL CONTINUE
Events and library rentals of spaces in our 1900 building scheduled through Morin’s Catering & Events will continue throughout the renovation.
OUR TRANSFORMATION WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE WITH YOUR SUPPORT
For information on how to donate to PPL's THINK AGAIN Capital Campaign, contact Erica Busillo Adams at 401-455-8073 or ebusilloadams@provlib.org.
OR MAKE A DONATION TODAY
Select THINK AGAIN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN from the options at the link below.