Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services An agency of the Department of Administration
Inside a library building.

The Office of Library and Information Services strengthens, connects, and empowers libraries to advance knowledge, connect communities, and enrich the lives of all Rhode Islanders.

March 14 Executive Order on IMLS
Learn how the Executive Order from March 14th affects the funding for programs and services offered by Rhode Island Libraries. 
Comparative Statistics
These reports provide an initial overview of key data to help you see how your local public library compares to others in the state.
Legislative Updates
Access a comprehensive collection of Rhode Island House and Senate bills related to libraries, both current and from previous sessions.

Service Highlights 2024

$13,384,631
State Aid for Libraries
3,319,562
Items moved through Delivery
$245,844
LSTA Subgrants
152
Certified Libraries

OLIS News and Updates

Audio Description of Pope Francis Funeral April 26, 2025

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OLIS Logo

CBS Television Network will be providing live audio description on Saturday, April 26 for the CBS News Special Report coverage of the Funeral of Pope Francis.

Many Faces of BARD, May 8

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OLIS Logo

The topic for the Thursday, May 8, 2025, Many Faces of BARD program will be New Features in BARD Express. This program was rescheduled due to its cancelation in April.

Join the RICBA Committee

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OLIS Logo with a stack of books over the words Reading Programs

The Rhode Island Children's Book Award committee is seeking four new members to serve a three year term, 2025-2028.

That All May eRead, April 29

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OLIS Logo

The topic for the April 29 online program will be eReader Program Updates. In the remaining time, we will answer any questions you have about the NLS Braille eReader.

More news and updates

Local Library Programs

April 27, 2025

➧ UNAVAILABLE at Pawtucket Public Library (9:00 am-8:45 pm)
➧ Knight Memorial Library Memory Bank at Knight Memorial Library (10:00 am-12:00 pm)
➧ Film Screening & Discussion: The Kite Runner at Barrington Public Library (1:00 pm-3:00 pm)
➧ Sunday Hours @ Central at Cranston Public Library - Central (1:00 pm-5:00 pm)
➧ Scrabble Sundays at Maury Loontjens Memorial Library (Narragansett) (1:00 pm-4:00 pm)
➧ Dungeons & Dragons: Into the Deep at West Warwick Public Library (3:45 pm-5:45 pm)
➧ Adult Grab & Go Craft: Coffee Milk Soap at Cumberland Public Library (8:00 pm-8:00 pm)
➧ Exhibition: Exploring the Archives: Sharing Stories/Building Connections at Providence Public Library (8:00 pm-8:00 pm)
➧ Exhibition: Spaces That Hold Us artwork by Bhen Alan at Providence Public Library (8:00 pm-8:00 pm)
➧ Exhibition: Wheel of Fortune artwork by Eli Kauffman at Providence Public Library (8:00 pm-8:00 pm)
Other local library programs

Featured Public Library

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Exeter Public Library

Exeter Public Library

Home learning resources for all ages, plus native seeds and gardens, Chelsea Park playground, and a nature trail too!

773 Ten Rod Rd.
Exeter, RI 02822

(401) 294-4109

Rhode Island Library Directory