Library Services

Ask a Question by Email

Submit a question by email to the library at [email protected] and we will respond to you within 2 business days.

Ask a Question by Phone

Call the library at 401-847-8720 x208. We can check the Ocean State Libraries database to see if a book is available and answer brief questions.

Ask a Question by Text/SMS

Text us on your mobile device at 833-449-4221 and start your question with newportlib

Or use the “Ask a Question” tab on the right-hand side of this page.

Wi-Fi

The Library has two Wi-Fi networks that are open and free to use with no passwords required.

• From inside the Library, choose the Wi-Fi network “Library” to connect.
• From outside the Library, look for the “Library_ParkingLot” network to connect.

Using a Library Computer

The Library provides desktop computers with internet access for anyone with a Library card or a guest pass. This service is free of charge.

Time limits are flexible and extensions can be granted unless there are other patrons waiting to use the computers.

Using Your Own Device

You may use your own laptop or tablet in the Library and there are many electrical outlets available.

Faxing service is available in the Administration Office. Please call ahead 401-847-8720, ext. 101, before visiting. Faxing charges are $1.00 per page.

Homebound residents in Newport can sign up to have most circulating items delivered to their homes. Enjoy this service which includes:

Books, DVDs, and audiobook CDs or Playaway devices delivered and picked up between 1:30-3:00 PM on Fridays.

Available to all Newport residents who are unable to visit the Library.

No late fines.

To sign up or get more information, contact Madison at [email protected] or call 401-847-8720 ext. 108.

Free Ocean State Library cards are issued to Rhode Islanders upon presentation of photo identification and proof of current address. Parents or legal guardians must sign applications for children under the age of 17. For more information, see our library card FAQ page, call the Circulation Department at 401-847-8720, x201 or email us at [email protected]

Maker Labs, also referred to as makerspaces, hackerspaces, hackspaces, or fablabs, are creative, DIY spaces where people gather to create, invent, and learn.

For upcoming workshops and open studio hours for adults, teens and children see our Events Calendar.

Learn more about Maker Lab Equipment and Frequently Asked Questions.

The Library has two bookable meeting rooms available for public use. To learn more about each room please visit the Meeting Rooms policy page. To reserve either the Rotary Room or the Program Room, click here.

The Library also offers one study room on a first-come-first-serve basis for the purpose of private study or Zoom calls. Visit any service desk to inquire if the room is available at the time of your visit.

Please note that Zoom calls are not allowed anywhere else in the Library.

The Newport Public Library offers free or discounted admission to several museums in Southern New England.

MUSEUM PASSES are available at the Circulation Desk and are for patrons to check out on a first-come, first-served basis. They are due back after 3 days. Limitations vary according to each institution. The overdue fine for returnable passes is $10.00/day.

COUPON PASSES are also available at the Circulation Desk. These do NOT have to be returned; again, limitations vary depending on the institution, so call us for more detailed information (401) 847-8720 x201.

Click here for current Museum Passes and Coupons

Notary Service is available by appointment only. Please visit this link to make an appointment online. The cost is $5.00 per stamp. For assistance, please call the Administration Office at 401-847-8720 ext. 101.

One-on-one Appointments

Need help with email attachments? Not sure how to get started with your new smartphone or ebook reader? Book a 30-minute one-on-one session with a staff member who can help. By appointment only.

Please inform us ahead of time what kind of device you will be bringing. Also, be sure to verify all necessary passwords before your appointment (you won’t need to give passwords to us, but you might need to enter them during the help session). A list of your questions will also be helpful.

Library staff can help with a variety of technology topics, such as using desktops and laptops, email, phones, and more. We can also assist with getting you set up on and using our digital lending services such as Libby.

We cannot perform device maintenance, such as handling viruses, spyware, or other forms of data management, or troubleshoot/install hardware. Appointments must be technology-related and cannot be made for other purposes such as financial transactions.

All appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information, call the Reference desk at 401-847-8720 x208.

Printing and Copying

Black & white prints cost $0.15 per page. Color prints cost $0.30 per page. The printing coin boxes accept coins and $1.00 bills. We also accept Credit/Debit cards ($5.00 minimum) and Venmo.

Learn more about (mobile) printing from your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Documents sent to our mobile printing service will remain in the queue for the same day. Please pick up your prints on the same day, as the queue is cleared overnight.

Scanning

The Library has two flatbed scanners located near the Reference Desk, as well as a top-loading scanner with a scan-to-USB function. Patrons must provide their own USB drive for the top-loading scanner.

Scanning is a free service.

The Library offers equipment, for use by its staff, to convert analog video into a digital format as a service to the public. This service is available to Ocean State Libraries cardholders. Click here to see the full policy.

For more information, call the Reference desk at 401-847-8720 x208.