FAQs

No, unfortunately. To make materials as available as possible and to give patrons the opportunity to browse the shelves for items they may want to check out, we ask that materials be returned for others to enjoy once they have reached their final due date.

We have one private study room that is available on a first come, first serve basis.

We also offer study desks and collaborative work tables located throughout the Adult area.

Our Evelyn Ledoux Room is a quiet work area that offers several tables for research.

Yes, we proctor some exams.  Please contact our Reference Department via phone for more information.

We will gladly accept your book and media donations, with a few conditions:

• We do not accept magazines, tapes, activity or puzzle books, textbooks, dictionaries or encyclopedias. 
• Donations should be in good physical condition.  No yellowing pages, mold, water damage, marked up or colored pages, or otherwise damaged materials.  These items cannot be added to our library collection and they do not sell them in the Friends Bookstore.  Please find elsewhere to recycle these items.
• Drop off donations at the Circulation Desk.  Please do not drop donations into our outside book and av drops so that library materials do not get mixed up with donations.  Please do not leave donations outside the library if we are closed.
• Once donated, it is up to the discretion of the Library how they will be used.

If you have a large donation, please contact the Friends of the Library: email Lois Murray, loismurray@cox.net.

We do not offer a fax machine; we do however offer a scanning/copy/print machine that allows you to email your scans.

It is free to scan and email your scans.  Copies and prints are 10 cents for black and white, while color copies are 50 cents a page.  Machines are located both in the adult and children’s areas, and both accept coins and $1 bills up to $5.  Staff may not be able to make change for you, so please be sure to have the necessary money on hand to print or copy.

We do not have a notary public on staff; please contact the Town Clerk for notary services, 842-6500.

To obtain a free library card: A RI resident must present a valid RI ID or license with his/her current address or a valid picture ID along with verification of address, such as a bill, car registration, check-book, or lease.

Active duty military personnel must present military ID and proof of residency as stated above.

Acceptable ID for out of state residents who are currently attending school in RI would include a student ID, course schedule, or a tuition bill.

Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proof of residence.

The cardholder or parent/guardian of a juvenile cardholder is responsible for materials borrowed on his/her card.

Out of state residents can purchase a one year FULL ACCESS card for $185.00 or a one year LOCAL USE ONLY card for $10.00. A FULL ACCESS card may be used at other OSL libraries to borrow materials and to place reserves. A LOCAL USE ONLY card can only be used at the issuing library.
If a card is lost or stolen, notify the library immediately. A fee of $1.00 is charged to replace a lost card for patrons who present a valid ID.

Non-perishable food is accepted as payment for overdue fines assessed on Middletown materials only.

For every $1.00 in overdue fines, we accept $1.00 in non-perishable food.  For example, if you have $1 in overdue fines, bring in 1 can of food.

We cannot accept non-perishable food in lieu of fines for items from other libraries.  All food is donated to the Feed a Friend food pantry at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Newport, RI.