Services
FAQs
Q: Do you have internet?
A: YES we do! All of the library’s computers are connected to the internet. We also offer free WiFi service which is available 24/7.
Q: Do you have a computer I can use?
A: YES we do! We have computers for library card holders and non-library card holders. Computers are free to use and are available during library hours.
Q: Can I print from the computers?
A: YES you can! All of our computers are connected to our printers. Printing costs are $.25 per page for b/w printing and $.50 per page for color printing.
Q: Can I fax?
A: YES you can. You can receive and send faxes from within the library. Our fax number is 401-466-3236. Fax fees vary.
Q: Can I scan at the library?
A: YES you can. Scanning is a free at our library. Our scanner is connected to a computer with Internet access so you are able to scan and email during library hours.
Q: Do you have a copier?
A: YES we do. You are able to make both b/w and color copies at our library. We are able to make copies of 8 1/2 x 11, 8 1/2 x 14 and 11 x 17 inch originals. Copy fees vary.
Q: Do I need a library card to borrow something?
A: YES you do. You need a valid Ocean State Library card to borrow any item. Ocean State Library cards are available free to all Rhode Island residents and Block Island property owners. Visitor cards are avaiable for purchase to non–Rhode Island residents. Please inquire at the front desk.
Interlibrary Loan Policy
The library shall provide and promote interlibrary loan services to all patrons holding a valid Ocean State Libraries (OSL) card, except those patrons holding local-use-only cards. Library holdings may be requested via the OSL online catalog, or requested at the desk. The availability of these items is dependent on the owning library’s policies. Items not found in the public libraries can be requested from college and university libraries in Rhode Island. If the items are not found, they may be requested from out of state. If a patron’s card is invalid or not in good standing, the librarian on duty will work to validate the card whenever possible. All Island Free Library items set as “holdable” are eligible for interlibrary loan requests.
Quick Links
Find the materials you need with the Ocean State Libraries online catalog
Look it up at Rhode Island’s online reference center: databases, World Book & more
Connect to Rhode Island’s digital library to download ebooks, audio books, and more
Learn a new language with Mango, the online language-learning system
Search the Island Free Library’s digital archive — newspapers, historical documents, and more!
Service Policy
The Island Free Library, a public library, is an organization based on sharing. The Island Free Library’s service policy is designed to ensure that the materials in its collection are for use by the entire community of Block Island and the public as a whole on an equal basis.
The Island Free Library is a member of Ocean State Libraries (OSL), and any patron who is a an Ocean State Library borrower in good standing is permitted and welcome to borrow materials from the Island Free Library.
An out-of-state resident upon presentation of identification may purchase a local use only library card. These visitor cards are $25.00 each and valid for one year.
The Island Free Library’s loan periods are determined by the size of the collection and the demand for each particular type of material within the collection. There is no charge for borrowing materials for the indicated time period of an item.
With few exceptions, all circulating materials are available for borrowing through OSL HOLDS and the interlibrary loan system, in compliance with LORI standards. Alternately, Block Island patrons have access to circulating materials in all other OSL libraries.
Reference service is available during regular library hours. The Island Free Library staff responds to requests received in person, by telephone, in writing, and via email.