20 of the Most Exquisite Libraries in the World

PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM, RHODE ISLAND

Although the Providence Athenaeum is a library open to the public, it’s not one paid for with state money. Instead, this small but beautiful Greek Revival building is supported by private donors. There’s a heavy focus on Rhode Island history and authors who hail from the Ocean State, including Providence native HP Lovecraft—you’ll find a bust of the famed horror author on display, with familiar names like Guillermo del Toro on the list of benefactors.