Policies

LIBRARY CARD

You may register for, renew, or replace a library card at any Circulation Desk in public Rhode Island libraries. You may also fill out this form to have one mailed to you.

Patrons age 18 and over must show the most up-to-date photo ID or driver's permit, and proof of address. Examples include utility bills, school ID, and passport.

Patrons age 12 and under must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them. The parent or legal guardian must show the most up-to-date photo ID or driver's permit, and proof of address

Patrons age 13 - 17 may apply without a parent or legal guardian if they can provide a proper ID (see above). Students may use a report card in addition to a photo ID. A parent or legal guardian's proper ID and proof of address can also be shown.

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS

If no state library owns the material a patron wants, staff may request it from an out of state library.

A $5.00 processing and mailing fee will be charged for each material requested.

The fee paid will be returned if the order is not completed successfully.

CELL PHONE USE

Cell phones should always be set to silent or vibrate.

Calls should be made outside or in our vestibule so as not to disturb others. Take belongings with you!

If needed, a brief call may be made at the Circulation, Information Services, or Youth Department desk.

Video chat is treated the same as a phone call.

Refusal to comply will result in disciplinary action including suspension from the library.

LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS

A patron is fined any overdue charges plus the replacement fee listed in the bibliographic source.

An out-of-print item replacement fee is $15.00.

A transaction receipt is printed. If a patron finds the item within 90 days after paying replacement fees, the library will refund the amount paid if proper receipt is shown.

Items two or more years past due incur a replacement fee. Even if the item is returned, this fee must be paid.

The severity of damage to an item is left to the discretion of the Head of Circulation.

In the case of a damaged item beyond repair, a replacement fee will be charged.

If the item is judged as able to be repaired, a $5.00 fee will be charged to cover materials for repair.

Purchasing replacement copies is no longer accepted.

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VOLUNTEER POLICY

The library aims to give volunteers meaningful responsibilities, training, and recognition.

Accepted volunteers include students participating for educational requirements, patrons age 18 and over with a proper background check, teens in grades 7 - 12 with parental consent, and patrons participating in social service agency programs.

The library cannot guarantee a position for each prospective volunteer and reserves the right to reject any application. Schedules will be arranged by the volunteer and staff responsible for their work.

The library will not provide any medical, accident, or worker's compensation benefits to volunteers.

Upon request, a letter of recommendation can be provided for volunteers that complete services.

MEETING ROOM POLICY (CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE)

The library has two meeting rooms free of charge for organizations and community groups.

Meetings are open to the public, and must be educations, cultural, or civic in nature. Meetings cannot be social, religious, private, or commercial. Advertising or selling products is prohibited and no fees can be collected without library co-sponsorship.

Library programming is prioritized for these areas.

Use of these areas does not imply library endorsement.

Reservations must be made at least one week prior.

Bookings are subject to cancellation with a two week notice.

No group can have more than two meetings per month.

Availability is first come, first served.

Room furniture can be adjusted to meet the needs of the group.

Users must abide by all library policies. Permission is given by the Director and Board of Trustees.

UNATTENDED CHILDREN

The library is not equipped, nor is it the library's role, to provide long or short-term daycare.

Children under the age of 8 must always be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If a child under the age of 8 is attending an event, a responsible adult must stay within the library.

Parents and legal guardians are responsible for their child's behavior.

If left unattended, trained staff will aid the child in locating their parent or legal guardian.

Police are notified of any child left alone at the time the library closes.

Policy must be discussed with the parent or legal guardian of a child left unattended. Repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action, including suspension from the library.

In the event of a lost or missing child, the library has a comprehensive procedure to ensure safety.