NOTICE: Due to COVID-19, the RI Department of State has implemented a change in operating procedures. Read more…>
AVISO: DEBIDO A COVID-19, EL DEPARTAMENTO DE ESTADO DE RI HA IMPLEMENTADO UN CAMBIO EN LOS PROCEDIMIENTOS OPERATIVOS. LEA MÁS...>
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The Rhode Island State Library

On March 16, 2020, Governor Raimondo announced that the State House is closed to the public, which includes the State Library. Our team of librarians will continue to provide reference and general assistance by phone and email. Some of the State Library's resources are available digitally through its online catalog, including much of its Federal Depository Collection.

The Rhode Island State Library is pleased to announce its new online catalog. The catalog allows you to browse for the library's collection which includes state agency reports, executive orders, federal documents, Rhode Island Public Laws volumes, historic and current Rhode Island General Law collections, and books on Rhode Island history. The State Library Catalog provides simple and advanced search options, and provides the PDF to materials that have been digitized or were published digitately. Click the State Library Catalog button to begin!

The State Library welcomes researchers to use its books and materials within the library. As a non-circulating library, we do not lend materials to patrons. When possible, librarians are happy to make copies of materials to better assist you with your research.

Our Programs

+ Federal Depository Library

The State Library is part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), collecting approximately 30% of published federal government documents. The State Library began collecting federal documents at the end of the 18th century and was designated as an official depository library in 1895. Even though the State Library has been part of the FDLP for over a century, it is a temporary depository, meaning that it only keeps most materials for five-years.

+ State Clearinghouse

The State Clearinghouse was established under RIGL § 29-7 in 1983 as a responsibility of the State Library. It works to ensure public access to state agencies' publications. The State Library is a permanent depository for state publications, and is responsible for distributing the publications to other State Clearinghouse Rhode Island depository libraries.

State Clearinghouse Guidance Document

Our Collections

Explore our collection with the State Library's new online catalog. The State Library has a robust collection that is primarily legislation-related, with our earliest holdings dating back to 1750. While the State Library is a non-lending library, these collections are accessible to researchers who visit the Library during normal business hours. Some of our most popular collections include:

  • Rhode Island Acts and Resolves, dating back to 1750
  • Rhode Island Government Manuals, dating back to 1867
  • Providence Journal Almanac, dating back to 1891
  • State Agency Publications
  • 30% of the Federal Government Publication Core Collection

Visit Us

The State Library is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and until the Rise of the House and Senate when the General Assembly is in session. The State Library is closed on all state holidays.

ADDRESS
82 Smith St., Rm. 208 Providence, RI 02903

CONTACT US
If you cannot make it into the library, we are happy to help you via phone or email.
Phone: (401) 222- 2473
Email: [email protected]

State Library Catalog