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Policies, Procedures, & Donations

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Using the Library:

Code of Conduct Policy
2026 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 fill out a physical form and come to the library in person, or fill out a form online.
Your first card is free; replacements are $1.00 each.

Adults – Adults must present a Rhode Island I.D., or otherwise establish establish proof of identity and Rhode Island residency. Rhode Island property taxpayers who do not have RI residency may also obtain library cards.
Minors – Age 13+ may apply for a card using documentation of their enrollment in a public or private school in Rhode Island. A parent or legal guardian may also cosign for applicants 13-17.
Minors – Age 0-12 both the child and parent or legal guardian must be present to satisfy the proof of identity and residency for the minor.

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

Cards for non-residents:

Non-RI residents may purchase a full-access card for $216 or a Rogers Free Library Local Use Only card for $40. With a local use card, you may borrow only Bristol materials. A proof of address and matching Photo ID is required for both. Non-resdient cards are valid for only one year.

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. Each fee waived will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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:

OSL Policies:

Relevant Forms:

Bristol Checkout Procedures

You must present your physical library card or your digital library card via the Ocean State Libraries Mobile app to check out materials. If you forget your library card, we can use a photo ID to look up your library card. Patrons who cannot provide a library card or proof of identity may be asked to return with proper identification before checking out materials.

Books/Audiobooks

Limit: 99 items
Borrowing Period: Three weeks
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold
Late fees: NONE

DVDs

Limit: 9 (limit 3 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:  99
Borrowing Period: Three weeks
Renewal Allowed: Yes, 2 times unless there is a hold
Late fees: NONE

Magazines

Limit:  99. 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

  • 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. Materals left outside and not handed to a staff member will be disposed of, as boxes or bags of books left in the elements may contain water damage or bugs.
  • In addition to the “unacceptable materials” list on our Material Donations Policy, we are unabe to accept the below items at this time:
    • children’s books
    • adult or teen non-fiction books older than 5 years old