Get a Library Card

Any person who lives in or pays property taxes in Rhode Island or who is currently employed by Ocean State Libraries (OSL) or by an OSL member library is eligible to receive an OSL library card from the public library of their choice free of charge.

Patrons age 18 and over must show their most recent photo ID and proof of residency.

Patrons age 13 - 17 may apply without a parent or legal guardian if they can provide a proper photo ID (see below). Students may use a report card in addition to a photo ID to show proof of residency. A parent or legal guardian's photo ID and proof of address can also be shown.

Patrons age 12 and under must have a parent or legal guardian accompany them. The parent or legal guardian must show their most recent photo ID and proof of residency.

Click Here to Apply Online or by Mail

The following documents can serve as both photo ID and proof of residency:

Current Rhode Island driver's license (if address is not current, current address must be written on the back as provided for on the license)
Current Rhode Island State ID
Current Photo learner's permit

If an ID listed above cannot be provided, one form of photo identification may be presented along with any one form of proof of residency. Photo ID must show both photo and name. Proof of residency must match the name on the photo ID and show full Rhode Island address.

Acceptable documents are listed below.

Acceptable Forms of Photo ID

Passport
Current Armed Services ID
Current Driver’s license from another state
Student ID
Bus Pass (must have photo)
Work ID (must have photo)
Current college or university photo ID card
Current employee photo ID card
Rhode Island welfare ID card
Alien Registration photo ID card
Professional, vocational or union photo ID
ID card issued by any federally recognized tribal government

Acceptable Proofs of Residency

Personal or payroll check
Cable, phone or utility bill
Valid Green Card
Rental Lease
Proof of mailing (any piece of mail delivered by the US Post Office)
Report Card
Tax Bill or receipt
Bus Pass (must have address)
Class schedule
Statement from a homeless or other shelter
Bank statement