AskRI
Live chat with a librarian at the Providence Public Library
Got Questions? Get Answers.
Provided by the State of RI’s Office of Library and Information Services and staffed by librarians from The Providence Public Library.
Also featuring:
HomeworkHelpRI
Sign-in (available 2-10 pm, 7 days a week)
Online tutors provide live homework help from 2-10 pm daily for students in kindergarten through introductory college. Also available in Spanish.
For more comprehensive homework help, please visit your public library, or the RI.gov kids page.
Provided by the State of RI’s Office of Library and Information Services and staffed by librarians from The Providence Public Library.
More AskRI
For more AskRI, please visit the complete AskRI Web site, where you'll find even more resources.
Email your question
Got a question about Rhode Island, or Rhode Island state or local governments? Not sure where to start? Ask a librarian and get the information you need! Please contact us directly at pplri@provlib.org or via our contact page.
How we can help
- Locating the appropriate state agency that can handle your question and provide you with other information or suggestions
- Answering specific questions regarding Rhode Island government, Rhode Island history, attractions and local information
- Directing you to appropriate online information resources
- Assisting you with search strategies
By email
If your browser does not support forms, please contact us directly at pplri@provlib.org
By phone
You may also call the Providence Public Library to speak directly with a reference librarian. Call the Reference Services Office at (401) 455-8005 during the following office hours.
- Mon. & Thursday 8:30 am to 8:30 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm (September through May)
Privacy policy
Other resources
Who we are

This service is a partnership between RI.gov and the Providence Public Library, which serves as the Statewide Reference Resource Center under contract with the RI Office of Library and Information Services. The service is designed to assist you in finding the information you need about Rhode Island.