Get a New Card
To receive a FREE library card, visit the Library’s Information Services Desk on the main level during open hours, fill out a form and present personal identification and verification of your current address.
Eligibility
The following are eligible for free Ocean State Library (OSL) library cards:
Rhode Island Residents with proper name and photo ID
Proof of ID/residency includes: current Rhode Island driver’s license, or photo learner’s permit, or current Rhode Island state ID. Other forms of photo ID may be paired with varied forms of residency, such as: personal/payroll check, utility bill, lease, report card or personal mail, etc., any item showing address and matching name on photo ID.
Children 14-17 years of age
Children 14-17 must provide proof of home address, or may have a parent or guardian signature on registration form (additional forms required if child will be borrowing DVDs or using Internet). Parent/guardian should be present at time of library card application.
Children under 14 years of age
Children under 14 must have a parent or guardian signature on registration form (additional forms required if child will be borrowing DVDs or using Internet). Parent/guardian should be present at time of library card application.
FULL TIME Rhode Island School/College students with ID
For non-residents , acceptable ID includes recent student ID, course schedule, bill, plus proof of address ID.
Out-of-state residents who own property in Rhode Island with ID
Acceptable ID includes recent tax bill, recent utility bill, plus proof of address ID.
Out-of-state residents who do NOT own property in Rhode Island
Option # 1: Purchase an OSL card for $245 annual fee, with proof of address ID. This allows full privileges including placing holds and borrowing from other R.I. libraries.
Option # 2: Obtain free “Local Use Only” card for Providence Public Library with proof of address ID. This allows for placing holds on and borrowing materials from Providence Public Library ONLY. NOTE: “Local Use Only” cards do not allow borrowing privileges for the Ocean State Libraries’ digital eZone site. Non-residents may have only one local use card in the state.
Replacement fee for a lost Ocean State Libraries card is $1.
Revised October 2024