In celebration of National Library Week (April 13-19, 2014), we note Hammett’s Bookstore which operated from 1846-1898 at the corner of Thames Street and Cotton Court. It rivaled the collection of the Redwood Library and the Newport Public Library with thousands of books dating as far back as 1647. It served as a bookstore with a circulating library, as well as a printing and stationery establishment.
Charles E. Hammett, Jr. (1823-1902) was a civic leader and one of the original incorporators of the Newport Historical Society in 1854. Hammett’s original store is now occupied by the J. D. Convenience Store at 202 Thames St.
Photo of Charles Hammett’s storefront
An advertising card promoting Hammett’s Bookstore