Borrowing and Circulation

We are a member of the Ocean State Library consortium (OSL), comprised of over 50 public libraries throughout Rhode Island. Materials are made available through a shared online catalog.

Library Cards

Rhode Island residents may apply for a free library card in person or online.

In Person

Please bring a picture ID and/or one piece of identification with your current address to the circulation department at either Weaver Library or Riverside Branch Library.

Online

Apply for a library card online here.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when applying for a library card. 

Responsibilities of Cardholders

Cardholders accept responsibility for all items checked out on their card. Library cards are non-transferable. Report a lost library card or a change of address as soon as possible.

The Library reserves the right to suspend your borrowing privileges if you owe more than $10 in fines, or if you have an outstanding bill for non-returned library materials. R.I. Gen. Laws 11-41

The Library also reserves the right to permanently revoke your borrowing privileges in cases of theft or destruction of any type of library property.  

Library Fines

You will not see overdue or late fines on East Providence Public Library materials. The library will no longer collect money when a book is overdue. Fees will still be collected for lost or damaged materials.

Library Notifications

You can be notified of requested holds, items that need to be returned, and overdue items in three ways:

  • via email
  • via SMS text message
  • via phone

Notifications can be adjusted in the Notification Settings page of your account in the OSLRI catalog.

Returns

Materials borrowed may be returned to any public library in Rhode Island with the exception of Museum Passes, Out of State Interlibrary Loans, Hotspots, or Library of Things materials.

Renewals

Most library materials will renew up to two times, as long as no one is currently waiting for an item. Exceptions include Express Materials, Library of Things, Hotspots, and more.