Statewide Reference Resource Center @ Providence Public Library
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: (401) 455-8005

Chat & Phone hours:

  • Monday & Thursday
    9:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday & Wednesday
    9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday & Saturday
    9:00 am - 5:30 pm
  • Sunday
    1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Library open hours:

  • Monday & Thursday
    12 noon - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday & Wednesday
    10:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday & Saturday
    9:00 am - 5:30 pm

Online Services

Ask a Librarian

Have a question? Ask a Providence Public Library librarian.

chat | email


Phone service also available (401) 455-8005.

World Book Online Reference Center

world book logoMultimedia encyclopedia, atlas, dictionary, Spanish language encyclopedia for students, teacher and parent resources, and more


Access World Book Online from your public library


Access World Book Online from home
(When prompted, enter your 14-digit Ocean State Libraries library card number with no spaces.)

Heritage QuestHeritageQuest Online

combines digital, searchable images of U.S. federal census records with full-text genealogy and local history collections.

Hint: In the partially indexed 1930 Census, choose Browse to view records by state, county and location.

Access from your public library

Access from your home

(When prompted, enter your 14-digit Ocean State Libraries library card number with no spaces.)

Click here if you are having trouble accessing HeritageQuest Online from home.

Click here for a search guide

World Wide Web Links

Rhode Island Image Collection

More Services

Collections and Resources at Providence Public Library


Resources for Rhode Island Libraries
services available to RI libraries and library staff


Other Information Sources

Ocean State Libraries library Catalog


Electronic resources available at the Providence Public Library


Rhode Island Public Libraries - visit your local library!


Rhode Island University and College Libraries


RI.gov - gateway to Rhode Island government


State government information links


United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island
Locate available health and human service programs. From the single mother needing food for her children to the senior citizen looking for in-home care, United Way 2-1-1 in Rhode Island brings people and services together.