Adults
Enrichment opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.
Adult learners can turn to PPL to meet their lifelong learning and continuing education goals and aspirations.
Consistent with the Library's mission to engage learners, inspire thinkers and connect diverse communities, PPL seeks to provide adults with a spectrum of personal enrichment and professional development opportunities, from book clubs to multi-session workshops.
We offer diverse free programs, lectures, presentations, and classes through varied partnerships and collaborative initiatives with other libraries, nonprofit organizations and state agencies, and with a range of philanthropic and corporate support.
In addition, we are focused on developing and offering high-impact technology training and workforce development opportunities to aid those seeking economic advancement. For adults in need of literacy services, the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) based at PPL is a free, nationally recognized ESL, citizenship preparation, workforce development and family literacy program offering programs at several public libraries in Rhode Island.
Book Clubs at PPL
Tuesday Brown Bag Book Club at PPL! | 2023-2024 selections
This group meets the last Tuesday of every month at 12 Noon. Join us...all are welcome! Bring your book suggestions and your lunch -- we'll provide the beverages and the books! Contact Bonnie Lilienthal at 455-8025 to register or email blilienthal@provlib.org.
History Hijinks Book Club at PPL
Meets the 1st Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted. Registration required.
5:30 - 6:45 pm
150 Empire Street, Providence (Mural Room, 3rd Floor)
To register, email or call Anne Mulready: annemulready@aol.com; 401-453-6163.
Book Readers Guide the Galaxy Book Club at PPL
Meets the last Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted.
5:45 - 7 pm
Meetings are held in person in PPL's Mural Room, 3rd Floor. Join us...all are welcome! Contact Reina Kirkendall at 455-8033 for information or email rkirkendall@provlib.org. Copies of these books will be placed on hold and may be picked up at PPL.
The Dark Academia Book Club at PPL
If you're interested in romanticizing the Greek classics, learning languages, or have a general air of existentialism, this is the book club for you!
Meets the third Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted.
6 - 7 pm
Join us...all are welcome! Contact Reina Kirkendall at 455-8033 for information or email rkirkendall@provlib.org. Copies of these books will be placed on hold and may be picked up at PPL. Check PPL's Calendar for ongoing schedule and to register.
Connecting Stories Book Club
Join the discussion at PPL, in conjunction with Trinity Repertory Company, for this latest collaborative book club. In this club, you will read and discuss literature related to the plays being performed at Trinity for their 2023-24 season. Engage with Trinity's onstage work as we connect people to stories and stories to plays. For more information, contact ibrunelle@provlib.org.
Play Discussion Group in collaboration with The Gamm Theatre
Learning Circles
Community and Peer Learning
Learning circles are a form of group learning and community building. Similar to a book club, the group meets regularly to work on an online course or digital resources together and in person. With the guidance of a learning facilitator, participants engage in discussions about the learning topic, exchange ideas, ask questions, and support one another. Learning Circles at PPL typically meet for 1.5–2 hours a week for six to twelve weeks.
Your input is needed to determine future Learning Circles!
Providence Public Library offers learning circles throughout the year. If you’d like to join or facilitate a learning circle, tell us what you are interested in learning!