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Mon – Thur 9am-8:45pm
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Borrowing Policies



The Pawtucket Public Library is a member of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL) consortium.
We accept and issue OSL library cards which may be used at OSL member libraries. Use the Library Catalog to search for materials, manage your account and place holds.

Library Cards
Rhode Island Residents:
To obtain a free OSL library card please visit the Circulation Desk inside the Library. You will be asked to fill out a short application form. You will also need to show positive identification and proof of your current Rhode Island address. For children under the age of 13 years old, a signature of the parent or guardian is required on the application. You may also apply for your Ocean State Libraries card online.

Non-Rhode Island Residents:
1. Option One: Full-use statewide Ocean State Libraries card
Non- Rhode Island residents may obtain a statewide Ocean State Libraries card for an annual fee as long as their community has a library certified according to their state requirements. The current fee is $245.00
Non-Residents from other states who own property (land) in Rhode Island and therefore pay property taxes may obtain a free Ocean State Libraries card upon proof of ownership, such as a current tax bill.

2. Option Two: Paid local-use-only Pawtucket Library card
Purchase a Pawtucket Public Library local use only card for $40 per year. With a local use only card, you may borrow only Pawtucket materials. Holds may be placed on Pawtucket materials only. See a librarian to request materials. Holds cannot be placed in the online catalog with a local use only library card. Note: Free Local-Use-Only Pawtucket Library Cards may be issued to:
  1. Non-Rhode Island residents who attend Pawtucket schools for the period school is in session. 
  2. Current and retired Pawtucket municipal employees who live outside the state. The card must be renewed annually.
Lost or Stolen Library Cards
Call the library immediately if your library card is lost or stolen. After being notified, the library will not allow anyone to use your card. If you do not report your card missing, you are responsible for any items checked out on your card.

Loan Periods
  • Books & Audiobooks:  Three (3) weeks
  • Movie DVDs & Video Games: Seven (7) days for movies & video games.
  • Non-Fiction DVDs & Television Series: Three (3) weeks for non-fiction DVDs and television series DVDs.
Limit of five (5) DVD movies per library card. Limit of one (1) video game per library card. No limit on educational or non-fiction DVDs. 
DVDs & games will automatically renew. 

DVD Borrowing Restrictions for Minor Children:
The Pawtucket Public Library does not restrict access to the material in its video and DVD collections based on the age of the borrower. According to Rhode Island Public Library Standards it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to monitor the selection of materials of his or her minor children. The parent may request that the Pawtucket Public Library restrict borrowing on a minor’s library card to videos and DVDs of particular rating categories, such as: G, PG, PG13, and R. Please ask for this form at the Circulation Desk.
Approved by the Board of Trustees 6/20/06

Overdue Fines- Pawtucket Library is Fine Free!
  • Pawtucket Public Library materials circulate fine free. 
  • When items become overdue, borrowing will be suspended until all overdue items are returned. 
  • Many but not all Ocean State Libraries are fine free. Fines are determined by the owning OSL library.
  • Library patrons will still be responsible for the replacement cost of items lost, damaged or never returned.
Reserves
Most circulating materials may be reserved.  Receive Reserve & Overdue Notices via email or text. 

  • Use the Library Catalog to place an item on hold
  • Or call the Reference Desk (401) 725-3714 x220/221
Renewals
Items will renew automatically two times unless the item is on reserve for another patron or if the owning library does not allow renewals on that item(s). If a cardholder has one or more items overdue for 7 days or more, automatic renewals will not occur. You will receive an email to let you know whenever materials are renewed and/or if they cannot be renewed. 
Returns
Books may be returned to any public library that participates in the OSL system. When returning materials inside the library, place all materials in the book drop located at the end of the desk.

Book Drops
The Library's has two book drops that are open 24 hours a day. One book drop is located to the right of the main entrance. The second book drop is a drive-up style book drop located on Summer Street directly across from the Library on the left hand side of the road.

Questions?
Please call the Circulation Desk with any questions regarding Circulation of materials or your library account at (401) 725-3714 x201

OSL consortium-wide policies may be found at  Ocean State Libraries Library Card and Borrowing Policies






Paying Library Fines & Other Fees Online

How can I pay my library fines and fees online?
The Pay Online button can be found by going to the Catalog and clicking on Sign In (upper right), then entering your library card barcode number and PIN under Library Account Login. Once you enter your library card number, the current amount of fines on your account will appear on the left-hand menu. Click on the fine amount and then select “Pay Online.”
What forms of payment are accepted for online payments?
The Library accepts MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards.
Can I use PayPal for my online payment?
No, our system does not currently support payments via PayPal.
Is a service fee charged when paying fines online?
No, the library does not add an additional service charge when paying fees online.
Is there a minimum fine amount that can be paid online?
Yes, the minimum payment amount is $1.01. Once you’re in My Library Account, when you click Pay Online, all fines are pre-selected. If you do not wish to pay all of the fines, you can "uncheck" the fines you do not wish to pay at this time and hit recalculate to pay only the checked, selected fines. Each selected fine must be paid in full - you cannot pay a partial amount on a selected fine.
I have fines on my account but the Pay Online button does not show.
There is minimum payment amount is $1.01. If your fines are not at least this amount, the Pay Online button will not appear.
Can I get a refund for my online payment?
No, the Library is not able to issue credit or debit card refunds.
Why do the fines I just paid still appear on the "My Library Account" screen?
You must "refresh" that screen. When you do, it will accurately reflect your payment.
How do I get a receipt when I pay my fines online?
If you include an email address with the credit card information you submit, a receipt will be sent automatically to that email address. A payment receipt also displays online and may be printed. (NOTE: if you are using a computer within the library, please contact a staff member regarding a print-out of your receipt.)
What does the error message below mean?
There is a problem with your patron record - payment not made - please see librarian for assistance.

This indicates the system was unable to access your library card record. Please try again later. If the error message displays after you attempt payment again, contact your library. As long as the error message displays, no payment is processed and no fines are cleared.
What happens if I receive a message that the transaction was declined?
Your fines and fees will remain on your account. Click on the VeriSign link for more information on possible reasons why the transaction was declined.

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