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This Massive Library In Rhode Island Is Sure To Entrance Any Book Lover

Brown University's John Hay Library in Providence is a hidden gem with a vast collection of books, including rare and macabre items.

Published Oct 28, 2021

Written by 

Sara Dager

It may seem a little shocking, but Rhode Island has over 60 libraries! Yup, you read that right, over 60 libraries. For such a small state, that sure is a lot, but luckily we also have a lot of book lovers and these libraries get put to good use. There is so much variety to our states lending libraries and each one has their own appeal to those enthusiastic about books and reading. One library we think deserves a bit more recognition is Brown University's John Hay library.

John Hay Library in Providence is an often unexplored hidden gem of the city.

A decorative wrought iron gate with brick pillars, leading to a landscaped area and historic buildings in the background.
Will Hart/Flickr

Not only is the building itself gorgeous, but it is packed with history.

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Stone steps lead up to a grand building entrance with ornate details and large windows.
Will Hart/Flickr

Named after John Hay, personal assistant to Abraham Lincoln and past student of Brown university, the library was founded in 1910 and its collection continues to grow to this day.

The library has a huge general collection that is great for research and is available at all times to Brown students, and occasionally open to the public, but the real draw of this library is their massive special collections section.

A tree stands beside a stone building with large windows, set on a quiet street with greenery in the background.
zemistor/Flickr

You will need to make an appointment to spend time in the special collections, but it is well worth your time!

An open historical book with text on aged pages, displayed under glass.
Joe King/Flickr

The special collections feature four books bound in human skin, quite macabre, but rare and fascinating nonetheless!

Open pages of an ancient Arabic manuscript featuring handwritten text and diagrams on scientific concepts.
Joe King/Flickr

Considering there are only fourteen books like this in America, Brown owning over a quarter of them is truly amazing.

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Continuing with a theme of the macabre, the library has a massive H.P. Lovecraft collection. Housing over 1,000 books about Lovecraft and 2,000 pieces of his original work, it is safe to say this is one of the largest collections to be found out there.

A handwritten letter dated June 1918, with faded ink on aged paper, displayed on a textured surface.
Will Hart/Flickr

All in all the library houses over 1.5 MILLION books, artifacts, and files, so you are sure to find something to be fascinated by.

A spacious library with tall windows, featuring study tables and students working quietly.
Brown University/Wikimedia Commons

What are you most excited to check out in this massive library? Or do you just want to wander the stacks and see what grabs you? Make sure to check the library's website for information about hours, special events, and making an appointment to see the special collections.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

At Christmastime, Newport, Rhode Island Has the Most Enchanting Main Street in the Country

Newport, Rhode Island, offers a magical holiday experience with events, decorations, and festive activities throughout December.

Updated Oct 16, 2024

Written by 

Jessica Wick

There's never a bad time to be a Rhode Islander, but the holiday season is an especially magical time to live here -- especially if you happen to live near the charming little city of Newport. Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island lasts all December long, with events and displays all over town. But all you have to do to get into the holiday spirit is take a stroll down Thames Street, otherwise known as Newport's Main Street, and take in the seasonal sights.

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Thames Street is one of the oldest continuously used streets in Rhode Island. It's also Newport's main street filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions like the historic Bowen's Wharf and Bannister's Wharf.

A snowy street scene featuring a charming shop with festive decorations and a person walking by in the evening light.
Onne van der Wal/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images

It runs parallel to the waterfront, full of inviting shops and restaurants. Thames Street RI is especially enchanting this time of year, so it's the perfect place to enjoy a holiday stroll, do some holiday shopping, and check out Christmas window displays.

Three boats adorned with colorful lights float on a dark waterway, with a lit-up building in the background at night.
Onne van der Wal/Corbis via Getty Images

The official annual Newport Holiday Stroll tends to kick off the holiday season. This traditional event includes shopping discounts, restaurant specials, a tree lighting, and more. During this event, it's clear that Newport is the top Rhode Island Christmas town.

As a matter of fact, if you live in Newport, you're lucky — the city celebrates Christmas for the entire month of December!

A large anchor sculpture in a brick-paved street, flanked by shops and a decorated tree during twilight.
newport rhode island -Dec 23, 2010 downtown shopping center

A Newport, Rhode Island Christmas is citywide with a host of monthly celebrations, from concerts, caroling, and craft fairs to visits with Santa and Nutcracker performances. Annual guided holiday lantern tours will be available every Friday and Saturday starting in late November through late December.

A festive harbor at night, featuring decorated boats, a Christmas tree, and illuminated buildings along the water.
Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI decked out at Christmas time, ships docked with lights and wreaths.

Newport truly is the best Christmas town in Rhode Island. And there's nothing quite like shopping on Thames Street during the holiday season — every storefront is decked out in decor. A few of the most popular shops are Thames Glass Glassblowing Studio and Gallery, Rochelles Of Newport, and Sequins of Thames St. Check out the decor at each place and pick out unique holiday gifts for your loved ones

One local tradition you definitely won't want to skip is Christmas at the Newport Mansions. The Marble House, the Elms, and the Breakers are all decorated beautifully for the holidays, with a theme of Gilded Age glamour. I find that touring the mansions during the holidays in Newport, RI is a magical experience.

A beautifully decorated room featuring a Christmas tree and ornate wall art, with figures displayed on a table.
The opulence of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the Holidays at the Newport Mansions.

When spending the holidays in Newport, RI, you'll find that this city is full of coastal charm. It's easy to see why it's one of the top Christmas towns in New England. Spend as much of your December as you can here and you'll agree that this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.

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If it's been a while since you've spent time in Newport, December is the perfect time to go. Have you spent Christmas in Newport, Rhode Island?

While Newport is as charming as can be during the holidays, check out a few other charming Rhode Island Christmas towns.

Are you looking for gifts this holiday season? Check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide for ideas.

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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Here’s The Story Behind The Potato Head Statues In Rhode Island

Rhode Island's Mr. Potato Head statues are unique public art pieces with a fascinating history, originally created to boost tourism.

Updated Jun 20, 2024

Written by 

Sara Dager

Public art is important to our culture. There are many people who may never be able to go to a gallery or buy art of their own, but due to all of the awesome grants and creators out there, you can find art to admire for free in almost any city or town. Rhode Island has a particularly rich history of public art. The state is absolutely packed with murals, sculptures, and installations of all kinds that will grab your eye in an instant. However, some of our most prevalent public art is also definitely some of our wackiest. The Mr. Potato Head statues in Rhode Island, for example, have to be seen to be believed, and the story behind them is oh so fascinating.

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While driving through the state, there is a good chance you've spotted at least one of these person sized Potato Heads.

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Clements' Marketplace - Portsmouth, RI/Facebook

At six feet tall they're pretty hard to miss.

You may not have thought too much about them, just believing they're a strange anomaly. However, these Potato Heads have been around for over 20 years now. Actually, there used to be a LOT more.

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The Carouselambra Kid/Flickr

In an attempt to up tourism in 2000, Rhode Island decided we needed a state ambassador.

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Cynthia Donovan/Flickr

As luck would have it, the headquarters for Hasbro toys is located in-state, so the Potato Head seemed like a perfect fit!

Most reports say that around 35 six foot Potato Heads were originally erected. However, others claim the number was closer to 45.

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Infrogmation Of New Orleans/Flickr

Each head had a theme related to its location, and they were not exactly met with the warmest reception.

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Sean/Flickr

This Potato Head is a slightly morbid memorial for an elephant who was shot in the area.

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Whilst many loved the potato heads, others saw them as eyesores and campaigned to have them removed!

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Lake Mishnock Fire/Rescue/Facebook

So, despite the original number of Potato Heads seeming massive for such a small state, we are now left with only eight. It's a sad end to a cute story, but we think these few that remain are here to stay!

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alamodestuff/Flickr

This Rhode Island Mr. Potato Head gets brought out every year for the Fourth of July parade in Bristol.

These Mr. Potato Head statues in Rhode Island are incredibly unique! And while they may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's sad that we've lost so many over the years when they are so iconic. The remaining Rhode Island Potato Heads are scattered throughout the state. Do you have a favorite of the potato head statues in Rhode Island? If you're a Potato Head fan, you'll love all the incredible finds available on Etsy!

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