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

Ask a Librarian

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 -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
  • Sunday
    1:00 - 5:00 pm

Online Services

Statewide electronic resources available from AskRI and the Office of Library and Information Services. Free access for Rhode Island residents!

Homework Help RI

Worldbook Reference Center EBSCO

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

Other Resources

Reference Links (selected online resources from PPL)

Rhode Island Image Collection

Rhode Island Public Libraries - visit your local library!

Rhode Island University and College Libraries

Databases at Providence Public Library

Collections and Resources at Providence Public Library

Librarians' Resource Center

Phone service also available (401) 455-8005.