Thrillers and Murder Mysteries

Books That Will Make You Cry

Romance

Books Made Into Movies

Poetry and Novels in Verse

Dark Fantasy

Mental Health

LGBTQ+ Romance

Short Stories

Science Fiction

Biographies and Memoirs

Non Fiction on Activism and Social Justice

Dystopian

Libros en Español

Manga

Reflecting Bilingual Learners' Lives Through Literature

Black Authors and the Topic of Identity

We welcome suggestions and requests for new book lists!

Our support services for all Rhode Island Pre-K—12 educators allow teachers, school librarians and literacy coaches to borrow up to 90 books for eight weeks at a time. Professional librarian services include consultation, topic-specific book selection, book list creation, and assembly of large loans. Class visits to the library are also highly encouraged. In addition to library tours and overview, our teen library staff offers presentations on research skills and methods to students in grades 7 - 12.

If you have questions about obtaining a classroom/bulk book loan, or about a class visit to the library please contact us.

School or Youth Group Visit Policy

The Providence Public Library encourages group visits to the library by local schools, organizations, and groups. 

Especially when our capacity is limited, we prioritize based on when we receive requests, staff availability, and the nature of the group request. While we proudly serve the entire state, we do prioritize requests from schools in our local community. 

Please review the information below and fill out this visit request form to request a school or group visit. We require at least two weeks' notice to schedule a visit; the earlier you’re able to notify us, the more likely we will be able to accommodate your request. 

School visits typically take about an  hour, depending on the group’s size and the number of questions and include a tour of the building and time to browse for books. Our tours typically highlight the most used spaces by youth and include some information about programming and services, but we can adjust based on the group’s goals. 

An appointment must be scheduled.

We ask that any group of 10 or more that plans to visit the library schedules an appointment at least two weeks prior to their visit, even if staff assistance is not required. If you have a smaller group, but will need staff assistance (i.e. doing a research project) please also reach out to schedule.  Due to programming, schedule visits, and heavy use by our general public, the library cannot guarantee sufficient space, seating, or staffing for drop-in groups. During open hours all spaces must still be accessible to the general public and leave space to accommodate regular services. 

Groups must be well-supervised.

Teachers or adult supervisors must remain with the group at all times. Groups should not split up to different areas of the library unless each part of the group has a teacher or supervisor with them.

Please note that no food or drink is allowed in the children’s room, and groups must follow all PPL policies. 

Number of teachers or adult program staff per group (makerspace visits have different limits)

•  Pre-school: 1 per 4  
•  Elementary (K-2): 1 per 8
•  Elementary (3-5): 1 per 10
•  Middle: Minimum 1 per 15
•  High School: Minimum 1 per 20 

Reference Assistance or Research Help

 

Library Reference assistance or a librarian speaking to the class can be arranged for class visits with prior notification. Please fill out the visit form at least two weeks ahead of time, so we can rearrange our schedule if needed. 

Getting Library Cards

If your group would like to get library cards, you must upload a class roster when you request a class visit at least two weeks ahead of time. The class roster must include students' full names, birth dates, and addresses. All students requesting a card must complete a library card application fully and legibly in order for their request to be processed. Students 12 and under must have a parent or guardian sign their application. We are not able to process library card requests without the complete class roster and completed library card applications. 

Library card applications are available here in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Please use the “Fill and Print Application” which can be either emailed or dropped off at PPL. Do not use the online application; if you do so, we will not be able to process your library cards for a group visit. 

Providence Public Library is part of the Ocean State Libraries system, so students who have cards from another public library in the state do not need to fill out an application.

• Students who have lost their cards do not need to apply again. Please make a note on the roster, and we will replace the card with the updated information provided.
• Encourage your students to return any overdue library books they may have at home!

Reserving a Space 

Groups that wish to come to the library independently and are looking for space to meet without any library staff support should refer to the space reservation form. 

Workshop (Makerspace Activity)

Informational visits to the Workshop can easily be added to a tour of the library. If you are looking for your group to do a hands on makerspace activity, that must be scheduled ahead of time.

Please note that requesting a makerspace activity does not guarantee we will be able to accommodate that request. All school field trips to the Makerspace are pending approval based on staff availability.

Group Guidelines

• We recommend at least one adult chaperone for every 6 - 8 students.
• The Makerspace can accommodate a maximum of 16 - 18 students at a time.

Time Commitment
A minimum of 60 minutes is required for a Makerspace visit, which includes:

• 15 minutes: Tour and activity introduction
• 30 minutes: Hands-on activity
• 15 minutes: Wrap-up and clean-up

Available Activities
Teachers and group leaders may choose up to two of the following activities:

• Collaging
• Button/Pin Making
• Gif-O-Graf 2D Animation
• Jewelry Making
• Perler Beads

If you have specific questions or would like your group or class to visit the makerspace please fill out the visit form.