The quaint coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island has a beautiful and unique history, marked by some of the oldest institutions in America. In fact, Newport’s Redwood Library and Athenaeum is the oldest purpose-built lending library in the United States! This unassuming building exudes a rich literary, art and educational history that is cherished by the local community. Join us as we explore the elegant halls, magnificent paintings and remarkable collections of the Redwood Library.
History
The year was 1747. The bustling seaport town of Newport in the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was abounding with trade from the West Indies (including the prolific and often reclusive rum trade). As the town expanded, businesses and services of all types sprung up to accommodate the rapidly growing population.
As the coastal community grew in refinement, a local man named Abraham Redwood and 45 colonists felt that the citizens of Newport needed a library to expand their knowledge and understanding; therefore, they created the Company of the Redwood Library. The building, which would be the first neo-classical public building in the colonies, was designed by Peter Harrison, who also designed Boston’s King’s Chapel (ca. 1749), Newport’s Touro Synagogue (ca. 1759), and the Brick Market Building (ca. 1762-72). The Redwood Library was constructed on land donated by a man named Henry Collins.
Abraham Redwood donated £500 (English pounds) sterling to purchase a collection of 751 books from London- thus began the first lending library in North America. These books ranged in topic from mathematics, law, history, geography and the classics.
Since its opening in March 1750, multiple additions have been added to the original library that is seen above (the Terry Reading Room and two galleries in 1858, the Rovensky Delivery Room in 1875, and another addition in 2005), but the original building remains intact, now known as the Harrison Room.
Interesting Facts
- Despite its stone-like appearance, the library is built of wood that has been “rusticated” to give the appearance of stone
- The original hours of the library was on Thursday afternoons for only two hours
- About 92% of the original 751 books are on display in the Harrison Room (the original portion of the library)
- Today, the Redwood Library boasts a collection of over 200,000 books
Our Visit & Recommendations
Being an avid writer and reader, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum has always been a special place to me. Of note, if you are visiting from out of town and/or do not possess an Ocean State Library Card, the admission fee is $10 (cash or card)- but it is well worth it (you can also gain free admission if you are a student with a valid ID).
The main entrance to the library today is actually on the side of the building, off of Redwood Street. Depending on the time of year, you can park on the roadside; however, be mindful of the signage and seasonal laws before you park. When you enter the library, you will first be in the Rovensky Delivery Room (c. 1875). You’ll immediately notice the dozens of remarkable 18th and 19th century paintings that line the walls. Make sure you check in and pay at the front desk (as necessary) before you begin to explore.
The biggest pieces in the room are the towering paintings of Andrew Jackson painted by Auguste Jean-Jacques Hervieu in 1830 and of George Washington, which was painted in 1845 by Jane Stuart- daughter of famed American painter Gilbert Stuart. Other paintings include naval heroes from the 19th century, to include Newport’s own Oliver Hazard Perry.
To your right is the Roderick Terry Reading Room (c. 1858), which is oft used by locals and college students to study, relax or cozy up in a corner to read. There are many great books and collections here that can be borrowed (despite its museum-like appearance, this is still an active lending library!). This is my favorite room to find a nook, settle into the large green leather chair, and read.
Whether you are working on a research project or simply interested in viewing some old and unique books, the Terry Reading Room has it all (the collection of George Washington’s writings is my personal favorite).
If you continue on, you will enter the Harrison Room- the original structure from 1750. As mentioned, this room displays the library’s original collection of books (safely protected behind a screen). This room also boasts an impressive collection of artwork of the original proprietors. A 1785 painting of Abraham Redwood (by Samuel King), an 1869 painting of architect Peter Harrison (by Louis Sands), and four original Gilbert Stuart paintings are proudly on display.
Just off the corner of the Harrison Room is the library’s small bookstore. Here they sell some of their books at the low price of $1 per hardback and $0.50 for paperback (I had to purchase a few while there- including biographies of statesmen Henry Clay and Alexander Hamilton). After you browse the selection, you purchase the books at the front desk in the Rovensky Delivery Room near the main entrance.
The grounds of the Redwood Library and Athenaeum also have a lot to offer. A few benches around the building are a great place to relax and read. Additionally, an authoritative bronze statue of George Washington (a copy after Jean Antoine Houdon) adorns the building’s south side, watching over the property. Perhaps the most interesting structure on the property is a small circular building. In fact, it was constructed circa 1766 and once served as Abraham Redwood’s summer house! It was originally built at his farm in Portsmouth, but moved to the library grounds in 1916. It was lovingly restored by Diane Wilsey and is now named in honor of her mother, Ruth Buchanan.
Whether you are simply visiting Newport for the weekend or have lived there for years, the Redwood Library and Athenaeum is a must see attraction. It is an important national historic landmark that preserves some of the most precious American artwork and early library collections, while offering one-of-a-kind research facilities for students and educators.