RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BORROWERS
YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
Information about your registration and borrowing habits are protected by Rhode Island law.
OSL CARDS
Your card can be used at any OSL (Ocean State Libraries) library. You are responsible for all materials charged on your card. You should have your OSL card with you to check out materials, and you should notify the library immediately if it is lost or stolen.
REQUESTING MATERIALS
If an item you want is not on the shelf, place a “hold” on it. You will be on a waiting list for the next available copy, either from the Cross’ Mills Public Library or from another OSL library. It’s easy and fun to do it yourself on the computer, or you can ask the staff to explain this service. If a book is not in OSL, don’t despair! Ask at the desk.
RETURNS
You can return most OSL items to any OSL library. Ask the loaning library what their policies are in this regard.
OVERDUES FINES AND OTHER CHARGES
If you owe fines or fees of $5 or more, OSL policy denies borrowing privileges. The library that owns the material determines the fine. CMPL is a fine free library. However, other OSL libraries may have fines on their items.
Patrons are responsible for returning items in the condition which they were checked out. Patrons will be charged replacement costs for damaged or lost materials.
HOMEBOUND DELIVERIES
Cross’ Mills Public Library offers special delivery services for our homebound patrons.
POLICIES AT OTHER LIBRARIES
When you use another OSL library, ask about their circulation policies. Rules at each library may vary.
POLICIES AT THIS LIBRARY
The Trustees of the Cross’ Mills Public Library endorse the ALA “Library Bill of Rights.” Access to information in the Cross’ Mills Public Library will not be abridged because of age, race, religion, national origins, or social or political views. The library complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
All items (except one-week periodicals and films) are loaned for a three-week period at Cross’ Mills Public Library. Materials from other OSL libraries may have different loan periods which must be honored. Renewals may be made online, in person, or by phone, unless there is a hold (reserve) on that item.
Although we are public in name and function, formally we are a privately-held association which was chartered in 1913. You are a legal member of this body if you are an adult card holder with Cross’ Mills Public Library as your primary library. Members can become Trustees if they are 21 years or older, have time to serve ten hours a month, and have some relevant experience or are willing to learn. Application forms are available from the Director.
The Board of Trustees holds monthly business meetings at the library on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM. Every association member is invited to attend. The Board establishes policy, hires a Director, works to assure adequate funds, and in general acts as library advocates.
Volunteers perform many important services in this library. They enjoy being a valuable community asset. You could, too! Ask at the desk or call during library hours. We welcome your interest.
Cross’ Mills Public Library encourages donations of all kinds. Estate planners should investigate ways of including the library. We are building our Endowment Fund.
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
For more details, please view policy manual on the following page.
CMPL Public Policy Manual