Policies, Procedures, & Donations

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Using the Library:

Rules of Conduct in the Library
2024 Library Holiday Closures
2025 Library Holiday Closures

Rogers Free Library is a fine-free library. Materials returned to Rogers Free Library do not incur fines unless the item is lost or damaged.

Obtaining a Library Card:

You may come to the library and fill out a form or fill out a form online. Your first card is free; replacements are $1.00 each.

Adults – Adults must present a form of I.D. as proof that he/she lives or pays property taxes in the State of Rhode Island.
Minors – Age 13+ may apply for a card with parent/guardian signature preferred, but not required. We will accept a school I.D. card for those 13 & up.

For more information on proper I.D. and important information please visit the Ocean State Libraries Library Card & Borrowing Policy webpage

Local Use Cards:

Non-RI residents may purchase a Rogers Free Library Local Use Only card for $40 per year. With a local use card, you may borrow only Bristol materials. A proof of address and matching Photo ID is required. Local use cards can only be obtained in-person with cash or check. Free local use RFL cards may be issued to people who work in Bristol, non-Rhode Island residents who attend Bristol schools, temporary residents that have proof of temporary RI address, and RI residents who do not have a photo ID.

Roger Williams students are eligible for a regular Rhode Island resident library card. Proof of both local and permanent address will be required.

Library Policies:

Relevant Forms:

Request for Reconsideration of Materials Form

Bristol Checkout Procedures

You must present your library card to check out materials.

Books/Audiobooks

Limit: Unlimited
Borrowing Period: Three weeks
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold
Late fees: NONE

DVDs

Limit: Unlimited (limit three for new items)
Borrowing Period: One to three weeks, depending on a single disc or boxed set. Please query circulation staff upon checkout.
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold or the item is new
Late fees: NONE

Music CDs

Limit: Unlimited
Borrowing Period: Three weeks
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold
Late fees: NONE

Magazines

Limit: Unlimited. Brand new issues do not circulate until the subsequent issue has arrived at the library.
Borrowing Period: One week
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold
Late fees: NONE

Museum Passes

Limit: One per family, per checkout, per card
Borrowing Period: Three days
Renewal Allowed: No
Late fees: NONE

Guidelines for donating Books, DVDs or CDs to Rogers Free Library

Until further notice, we are not accepting material donations

No books, CDs, or DVDs will be accepted due to lack of space during construction
any items left at the front or back doors will be discarded

Please hand materials directly to a staff member. Do NOT leave donations in the book drop, the entryway, or anywhere else in or around the library.
We are unable to accept: textbooks, encyclopedias, magazines, cassettes, or VHS tapes.
We can only accept materials in good condition. Books that are dirty, yellowed, torn, damp, mildewed, or otherwise in poor condition will be rejected.
Please bring materials in small boxes or bags, up to 3 per visit. No large amounts of loose books can be accepted.
Boxes/bags are to be left at the library along with the books. These are not able to be returned and must remain with the donations. Cardboard boxes are preferred over bags.
It is very helpful, but not required for items to be sorted by age range (adult, teen, children).