John Hay Library, Providence

Right across from from Brown University's famous Van Wickle Gates, the John Hay Library serves as one of Brown University鈥檚 most treasured landmarks. Opened in 1910 and named after John Hay鈥攁n alumnus who rose to the rank of Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt鈥攖he library owes much of its creation to a generous donation from Andrew Carnegie. Its timeless Beaux-Arts design, crafted from white marble, commands attention at first glance.

Stepping inside, you鈥檙e greeted by the Willis Reading Room. Restored to its original splendor, this serene space offers a window into the library鈥檚 dual mission: preserving historical treasures while supporting contemporary scholarship.

Renowned for its Special Collections, the John Hay Library houses over three million items. Among the treasures are the H. P. Lovecraft Collection, the most comprehensive assembly of materials tied to the legendary author of weird fiction; the Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection, featuring military art, books, and miniature soldiers; and the McLellan Lincoln Collection, which includes over 900 items signed by Abraham Lincoln and documents belonging to John Hay, offering a rich glimpse into the Civil War era.

If you鈥檙e eager to dive into these collections, the Gildor Family Special Collections Reading Room is available by appointment. Be sure to plan ahead and review the library鈥檚 guidelines for a productive and fascinating visit.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: John Hay Library
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Brown University Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.

Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Brown University Walking Tour

Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.

Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

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