About the Newport Public Library: FAQs

Computers and Technology  

Does the library have computers / Internet / word processing for the public?
Does the library have Wi-Fi (wireless) access?
Is there a charge for printing?
What other equipment does the library have for computing or copying?
May I plug in my own laptop into your network, or charge my accessories?
What is your policy on cell phone use, eating, drinking in the library?

Meeting Rooms and Facilities

Does the library have a group study area?
Does the library have meeting rooms and can they be reserved?
Is free parking available?

  Library Cards and Borrowing Materials

Collections and Resources

Does the library have a notary public available?
Does the library have Rogers High School yearbooks?
How can I get an obituary from old newspapers?
Can I recommend that the library purchase a specific book?

Library Policies and Rules

Can I leave my children at the library for a few hours?
Can I post a flyer at the library?
Does the library accept donations?
Can I volunteer at the library?
How can I apply for employment at the library?

Computers and Technology

Does the library have computers/Internet/word processing for the public?

Yes.  A library card number, or a guest computer user number, is required to logon to our computers.  All computers for the public include access to the Internet and word processing. Some have other popular software programs.

Does the library have Wi-Fi (wireless) access?

Yes.  There is a wireless network which allows use of laptops with ethernet wireless cards of 802.11B or better to access the Internet. 

Is there a charge for printing?

Yes.  Prints from computers are 15 cents for black and white, and 30 cents for color copies.  In the adult area printing uses a coin-operated system which accepts $5 and $1 bills and coins, excluding pennies.  We do not have a change machine, but the coin-op delivers change in coins, if any is due.  Same for the photocopier.

What other equipment does the library have for computing or copying?

The library has photocopiers (15 cents a copy).  No scanner.  No fax for the public.

May I plug in my own laptop into your network, or charge my accessories?

No. Laptops may use our wireless connections but may not connect directly into our data lines. Neither laptops nor other accessories are allowed to be plugged in for recharging batteries.

What is your policy on cell phone use, eating, drinking in the library?

Cell phone use is NOT ALLOWED in the library.  We ask that cell phones be turned off or set to vibrate while in the building.  We allow drinks with closable lids.  We do not allow eating in the library. 

Meeting Rooms and Facilities

Does the library have a group study area?

Not really.  The library has tables where people may work in groups if they are relatively quiet.  The library DOES have a QUIET study room, which has a mix of comfortable chairs, tables and chairs, and outlets for plugging in laptops.  Extended conversations are discouraged in this room.

Does the library have meeting rooms and can they be reserved?

Yes, the library has three different sized meeting rooms, plus a children’s special program room, and a room for local volunteer literacy tutors.  The meeting rooms require users to sign a meeting room policy, and must be reserved in advance. See the Meeting Room Page for more details.

Is free parking available?

Yes, there are parking spots for the public in the parking lot behind our building.  There are time restrictions which are strictly enforced, and there are spots reserved for library staff only.  The lot belongs to the City of Newport, and is shared by library users, users of the Recreation facility, and the park.  There is also on-street parking, but with some restrictions.  Visitors are strongly advised to read the signs carefully, and obey them.  Cars are ticketed and towed when parked illegally.

Collections and Resources

Does the library have a notary public available?

At this time there is one staff member who is a certified notary public for Rhode Island.  She does not work 24/7, so patrons are advised to call the library to check her availability.

Does the library have Rogers High School yearbooks?

No, sorry, the library does not have a collection of Rogers High School yearbooks.  The only place we know of to see old yearbooks is at the high school.  Call 847-6235.

How can I get an obituary from old newspapers?

The library has the Newport Daily News on microfilm back to 1847.  You must have a name, year and date within a week or so in order for staff to look it up for you.  If you can come here you can search further afield.  We also have the Providence Journal on microfilm back to 1973, and the New York Times on microfilm to 1960, or online.  We suggest you email us with the pertinent information at info@newportlibraryri.org.

Can I recommend that the library purchase a specific book?

The Newport Public Library strongly encourages input from the community concerning the collection.  It is the library’s intent that suggestions for purchase be used to help the library in developing a collection which serves the interests and needs of the community.  All suggestions for purchase are subject to the same selection criteria as other materials, and are not automatically added to the collection. To recommend a title for purchase speak to any library staff member or use our online Suggest a Book form .

Library Policy and Rules

Can I leave my children at the library for a few hours?

Our policy clearly states children 8 and under are considered vulnerable children and may not be left unattended.  Some children over the age of 8 may be considered vulnerable children and if left unattended, or not picked up by a parent or guardian by closing time, the matter will be referred to the local police.

Can I post a flyer at the library?

The library does have bulletin board space available.  Flyers and posters must be left in the administration office and will be posted by our staff.  We will post items of interest to the local community for events sponsored by non-profit organizations.  Private notices and business promotions are not posted.  We also have a “freebie” table, where some other kinds of promotional items are allowed.

Does the library accept donations?

As a private, non-profit organization, the library does accept charitable donations, as well as donations of items which may be considered for our collections, or resold through the Friends of the Library bookstore.  We ask that material donations be in good condition.

Can I volunteer at the library?

The library tries to accommodate volunteers, but does not have a formal volunteer program nor a full-time volunteer coordinator.  The Friends of the Library does have many opportunities for persons wishing to help the library in operating the bookstore, and for special events.

How can I apply for employment at the library?

Applications can be acquired anytime.  Ask at the administration office, or at the circulation desk.  The office keeps applications on file for one year.  Vacant positions are posted in-house, through the local newspaper, and through online job notice websites.  Applications must be in print, however, and for most positions a resume should be sent by fax or or regular mail.