William Hall Library

This is one cool library. When I was able to manage my way to the first floor (more about that below) I was taken back almost in awe of how authentic it looked to what I imagined libraries looked like 50 — 100 years ago. Dark wood library stacks and a room full of books with a second floor only accessible to librarians. It is a bit smaller but I haven’t seen this place too crowded. I’d also mention that this library –probably due to its limited size– does not offer many activities for the community. However this is a great place to find a nook in a corner and read a book for a couple hours. There are some community rooms available in the lower level of the building and second floor that I wasn’t able to explore (trust me, the first floor is enough anyways). The one gripe I have with this library is that after you park you will walk into the back of the building and you will find yourself on the lower level of the library. This requires you to take an elevator just to get to the main floor. I looked for stairs but was unable to find them (unless I wanted to walk all the way around to the front entrance and walk up the stairs from outside). Worth a trip just to take some pictures, I know I did.

Fruits
veggies
and
libraries
I went to a high school that was called the William H. Hall high school so when I saw this library was also named after William H. Hall my curiosity was aroused. Turned out this is a different guy but he still was an interesting fellow.
William was a poor kid that started out selling fruits and veggies and along the way gathered a fortune. Before he died he decided he wanted to built a library so in 1927 this stunning building was constructed.
It looks like a cool old mansion on the outside and is dripping with charm and charisma. The inside it beautiful too, with paintings, antiques and all kinds of cool things to look at. Definitely one of those libraries that is more art gallery than a place for books.
The staff was very friendly and let us look around and answered all my stupid questions. It of course has a whole lot of books, including some cool old ones. And or course it has all the modern amenities now expected in a community library.
This William H. Hall might not be the same guy that my high school was named after but he definitely was an impressive individual that built one great library.

I always forget how lovely this library is and every time I go, I wonder why I don’t stop in more frequently.
The building is gorgeous and the inside is cute too.
There is a good selection of books new and old, and if you can’t find what you are looking for you have a book from another library in RI sent here.
The staff is really nice and for some reason it’s open later than many of the other libraries in the area.

Hold up.
Wait a minute.
A library still exists?
Where you can check out books and movies and cds and more…
FOR FREE.
That’s right… I still go to the library + I don’t care if that makes me a giant nerd!
I love this place– it is so precious + has historic charm right in the heat of Edgewood. The people that work there are super nice, there is plenty of parking + they are open late! It is always quiet and peaceful inside.
My favorite thing to check out are DVDs… for free, anytime. awesome. Just be careful
to turn them in on time or there is a late fee… $ 1 a dvd per day late – that can add up!
You can reserve books online and have them sent from any library in RI to the branch of your choice– seriously? How is this free?
If you want to feed your mind for free, this is your kinda place.

The best resource for life.
Skilled, thorough, friendly librarians, sound collection, wonderful children’s section, and a classic history of community service.
This library is not just a place to borrow books and videos (check out their outstanding CD & music collection, however), it is the hub of a community.
By the wealthy William Hall (and his wife), of the people and now, for the people.
Wifi, concerts on the lawn, lively bookgroup, homestead for local groups, friendly helpful and caring librarians, cozy places to read. This is a treasure to be enjoyed and protected.
Warning: Do not frequent unless you know where you are going. Read the history in the book: «A Library is Born». Check it out!