Library Book Clubs

State guide

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s state library agency is the Office of Library & Information Services, which runs statewide resource sharing through the Library of Rhode Island. Most residents will use an Ocean State Libraries card to place holds statewide, while local libraries also offer their own public book clubs and book-club kits.

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Try a ZIP like 30303, “Travis County” or “Columbus, OH”
State library agency
Rhode Island Office of Library & Information Services
Statewide book club kit program
Not published by an official source we could verify. Ask the office.
Interlibrary loan
Start with your local library or network catalog, then LORI member libraries; if no LORI library can lend the item, your library can submit it through the OLIS ILL Clearinghouse.

Official resources in Rhode Island

Office of Library & Information Services

State library agency home page with library directory, public events, and resource-sharing links.

OLIS Interlibrary Loan

Explains Rhode Island interlibrary loan procedures, LORI rules, request forms, and contacts.

Ocean State Libraries Catalog

Shared catalog for many Rhode Island public libraries.

Ocean State Libraries Library Card Application

Shows who can get a free card and how to apply or renew.

Key facts for Rhode Island

Libraries that lend book club kits in Rhode Island

LibrarycityphoneDetails
Barrington Public Library Book Club Kits
Bristol County		Barrington401-247-1920Lends Book Club in a Bag and Mini Book Club Kit sets; any group member may check out a kit, and phone reservations are required.
Providence Public Library Book Clubs
Providence County		Providence(401) 455-8000Runs multiple public book clubs including Brown Bag, History Hijinks, Mystery, Romantasy, and Book Readers Guide the Galaxy.
Warwick Public Library Book Club in a Bag
Kent County		Warwick(401) 739-5440Lets patrons reserve kits with up to 10 copies plus author information and discussion questions for six weeks.
Middletown Public Library Adult Book Club
Newport County		Middletown(401) 846-1573Runs an adult book club and keeps copies of the selected book on hand for members.

* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.

What to do next

  1. Get an Ocean State Libraries card first so you can place statewide holds yourself.
  2. If your local library does not own a title, ask staff whether they can request it through LORI or the OLIS ILL Clearinghouse.
  3. For group reading, check nearby libraries’ local kit pages because Rhode Island’s kit programs are often library-by-library rather than statewide.

Not seeing your library or county?

We list a library only when an official government page publishes its rules. If yours isn't in the table above, it may not publish them online yet. Here's what to use instead, in order:

  1. General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Rhode Island, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
  2. Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Rhode Island's population center, for comparison only):
  3. Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.
    Office of Library & Information Services
    Website →
    Phone: (129) 737-6546 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)
    Your city or county office: Local governments →
    Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Rhode Island page on USA.gov can point you to the right office.
  4. Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.

Helpful guides

Book club kit finder →

Do you serve Rhode Island? Get a featured listing for $30/month, clearly labeled as a paid placement.