Westerly Library - Westerly, Rhode Island USA - Libraries on Waymarking.com

The Westerly Public Library is an exceptional facility in design, size, and scope within the Ocean State Libraries consortium. First opened in 1894, three additions and a major renovation now offer 183,000 items and many services for the neighboring Westerly, Rhode Island and Stonington, Connecticut communities.

The architecture is expansive and full of character, starting with its yellow brick exterior, terracotta window casements, and red tile mansard roof which all glow in unimpeded rays at sunset. A central tower has a pyramid roof capped by patinated copper. The heavy oak entry door - with its sidelights and a semi-circular tiled transom featuring a griffon - is beneath a weighty stone arch. The interior is a brilliant combination of paying homage to the past decor of substantial rooms with finely crafted dark wood details, high ceilings and a plethora of archways and, through a $6.5 million interior renovation project in 2010-2011, modern day aims for current and future patrons. The place just exudes and commands respect as an institution.

"Originally the library included a bowling alley, gymnasium, art gallery, museum, and meeting space for the Grand Army of the Republic." according to the library's History web page. The 1928 addition included the public Hoxie Gallery that typically displays local artists on a rotating monthly basis. The grand space is also available for private events.

Named for Sallie Coy, the longest-serving director of the library, the Coy Café opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 22, 2018. The coffee shop is in a space that was once Coy's office, then the circulation desk and then a storage space. It is at the front of the library and overlooks Broad Street and the walkway entrance. It serves hot and cold beverages and pastries. The cafe is open slightly shorter hours than the library. (See below.)

Services offered include:

• Book Discussion Groups
• Conversation Class for English language learners (FREE. Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30pm; Thursdays at 10:00AM)
• Homebound Delivery and Outreach
• Museum Passes, including Florence Griswold Museum, Mystic Aquarium, and the Providence Children's Museum
• Notary Public
• Proctoring Services
• Typewriter
• Special Collections, home to local history and genealogy materials, rare books, manuscripts and artifacts.

The Westerly Public Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries consortium. As a member of OSL, which serves the Rhode Island community by sharing materials, services, and electronic resources, library card holders may check out and return books from and to here and any other OSL member institution in the state.

44 Broad Street
Westerly, Rhode Island 02891

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