Open call for all chess players. Meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
Adults 18+. For those just starting or the more advanced chess players. No registration, just drop in. Looking forward to seeing you!
For more information, contact the library at [email protected] or 401-847-8720 ext. 208.
Search “Chess” on our event page.
Our film series continues this season! Held Fridays at 2:00pm in the Friends Program Room. Light refreshments provided!
Apr 3: 1776 (1972) – Rated G
Apr 17: Lincoln (2012) – Rated PG
May 1: Loving (2016) – Rated PG-13
May 15: Green Book (2018) – Rated PG-13
Jun 12: Apollo 13 (1995) – Rated PG
Jun 26: Smoke Signals (1998) – Rated PG-13
Need help with email attachments? Not sure how to get started with your new smartphone or ebook reader? Book a 30-minute one-on-one in-person session with a staff member who can help.
Book an appointment online or contact us at 401-847-8720 x208 for more information.
The Newport Public Library is celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with a series of events! We’ll be holding movies, book talks, and other programs throughout the Spring! We’ll have programs for all age groups!
In Library Events:
All Ages:
Colonial Newport County Scavenger Hunt– Test your knowledge of Newport and surrounding towns with our three-part Scavenger Hunt! Return completed Scavenger Hunt cards to the library to be entered into a prize drawing. Materials provided at the Newport Public Library. February 1-May 31, 2026.
Semiquincentennial Bingo– Read and participate in Newport Public Library semiquincentennial events for a chance to win one of our prizes! Materials provided at the Newport Public Library. February 1-May 31, 2026.
America250: Past, Present & Future Bookmark Contest– Design a bookmark that celebrates the past, present and/or future of America! The winners’ bookmark design will be professionally printed and distributed to Newport Public Library patrons this summer! Materials provided at the Newport Public Library. February 1-May 1, 2026.
Adults:
If You Liked… Classics Lists– Check out some modern read-a-likes for your favorite American Classics!
Stick Together USA Map– Work together as a community to complete our mosaic USA map sticker poster.
Film Series: 250 Years of American History– Free movie showings every other Friday afternoon at 2:00pm. Light refreshments provided.
250 Years of American Authors Book Group– A special book group that meets once per month.
New Bedford Whaling Museum Presentation– Join us Monday March 23rd at 6pm for this engaging talk with Chief Curator Naomi Slipp from the New Bedford Whaling Museum to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary – the semiquincentennial!
Transcribing the American Revolution– be a part of preserving history and join us for an evening of historical record transcription! In this two-part, hands-on workshop, come watch a selection from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution and be a part of an ongoing project as you help transcribe historical documents to help build a clearer future for researchers.
The Zine Scene– Zines (pronounced “zeens”) are self-published works created by individuals and small groups to share knowledge and opinions on any topic of which the creator is passionate. Learn how to create your own in this workshop held monthly.
Rhode Island and the American Revolution– This talk explores the vital role Rhode Island played in the American Revolution, bringing to life the people and events that shaped its history.
The Web They Wove: Women & their Wardrobes during New England’s Revolution– Join Dirty Blue Shirts historical interpreters Rebecca Bayreuther Donohue and Amanda Flynn Rumney for a fascinating look at women’s clothing during the American Revolution.
Diamond Painting: Red, White and Sparkle– Celebrate America’s 250th by diamond painting your own American flag coaster!
Teens:
Semiquincentennial (250) Teen Library Challenge– Complete the biweekly challenges for a spin on the prize wheel!
Teen Decades Trivia– In celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, we’ll be quizzing you on the decades! Think music, pop culture, sports, and political events! You’ll know more than you think!
Teen National Treasure Hunt– In celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, this treasure hunt will be based off of American History, with inspiration from the movie National Treasure.
Teen Spill the Tea: a (Boston) Tea Party– In celebration of America’s semiquincentennial, we’re having our own Boston Tea Party! Sample different types of tea, toss tea into the harbor (tea bag cornhole) and snack on some tea time bites!
Children:
Kids Newport History Challenge– An independent, self-paced program that encourages kids to learn about the history of the City by the Sea through reading, watching educational videos, visiting local sites, and participating in creative, hands-on activities.
Children’s Handprint Flag– Children are invited to trace their handprints on red, white, or blue paper to be a part of our patchwork American flag! April 1-April 30, 2026
Drop-In Colonial Hat Craft– Celebrate Presidents’ Day and kick off our Children’s Semiquincentennial (aka 250th anniversary of the USA) events by making a colonial hat craft.
Yankee Doodle Party– We’re gonna have a party and call it “macaroni!” Come celebrate the Semiquincentennial (aka 250th anniversary of the USA!) with fun games and crafts inspired by the lyrics of the “Yankee Doodle” song!
Star-Spangled Spectacular Laser Show– Join us as Prismatic Magic presents a blast into the past tour of our nation’s most significant people, places, and events with an illuminated musical extravaganza.
Imagine the US in the Next 250 Years– What do you think the future will look like? During this Semiquincentennial program, kids will learn about past predictions of what the future would hold, brainstorm their ideas of America’s future, and create collages or descriptions of their vision for the USA in the year 2275!
NPT Kids’ Fourth of July Parade– Join us for our very own Independence Day parade! Kids will decorate a wearable cardboard box “float” and parade around the library.
Grades 7-12.
Teen volunteers will help to organize shelves, pull books for displays, prepare craft materials, etc. Volunteer hours available. Forms signed by a parent or guardian need to be completed beforehand so drop-in volunteers will not be accepted. Ask the YA desk for sign-up forms. Limited spots available.