Research & Collections

Providence Public Library offers a rich variety of resources, whether you're looking for artistic inspiration, working on a research paper or a dissertation, starting a new business or just looking for something good to read.

One of the best places to start your search is by contacting our Information Services librarians for guidance. Then find resources related to a subject you're interested in and search our online catalog. We have historic materials from around the world and across time, and you can visit to use them for research or just for fun. Many of our materials are available online.

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Digital Books

Access thousands of ebooks through the OSL eZone

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ASKRI

Check out Rhode Island's online resource center

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Library Progams

Join us at the monthly Brown Bag Book Club

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Providence Public Library Special Collections

Work with Historical Materials

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June Shin, Type designer and PPL Alum

Research will always be integral to my work. Innovation is important, but we need to know and respect the origins of the typefaces. I’m fortunate and thrilled to have the Updike Collection so close at hand… it is such a valuable resource and Jordan (PPL’s Head Curator of Collections) is a huge help to me in finding what I need.

- June Shin

2016 Winner of the Updike Prize for Student Type Design