Community Libraries of Providence serves, as its primary clientele, the people of the City of Providence, without regard for age, sex, religious or ethnic background, political affiliation, educational ability or economic status. As a member of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL), the Library further extends full access to its materials and services at no charge to the people of the state of Rhode Island, as well as to residents of other states who pay a yearly non-resident fee of $25.00.
The Community Libraries of Providence’s resources are chosen for people of all ages and reading/learning abilities, and include books, newspapers and periodicals, audio books, audiocassettes, musical CD’s, video recordings, DVD’s, puzzles, toys, museum passes, and online databases.
The Library’s services for both children and adults include reader’s advisory, reference, and homework and referral assistance, either in-house, over the telephone, or via e-mail. In addition, the Library offers programming geared especially for children, young adults, adults and the elderly, organization and circulation of materials, interlibrary loan, and computers for Internet and word-processing and spreadsheet applications. The library webpage provides access to the on-line catalog, selected on-line databases, the schedule of library program offerings, and numerous links to recommended Internet resources.