A Cherished Neighborhood Institution Since 1871
Ashaway, Rhode Island
The Ashaway Free Library (AFL) has a print collection of 23,000 plus volumes, a wide selection of magazines, DVD/audio books/ CD collection of 553 items as well as computer stations and WIFI connection. The library is a member of Ocean State Libraries which gives patrons access to materials from libraries throughout the state of Rhode Island and beyond. The AFL is truly a window to the world for its community. The library sponsors programs for children and adults throughout the year.
Important Update for Our Patrons Regarding COVID-19:
In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community, the Ashaway Free Library building will remain closed to the public until further notice.
We are happy to announce that we are now offering contactless curbside pickup for library materials.
Hours for curbside pickup will be:
Monday, 10AM to 2PM (except 5/25)
Tuesday, 4PM to 7PM
Wednesday, 10AM to 2PM
Thursday, 3PM to 6PM
Friday, 10AM to 2PM
Pickup appointments will be assigned every 15 minutes.
Please call the library at (401) 377-2770 during curbside hours to request materials that we have on our shelves. You can search the catalog at http://catalog.oslri.net/ To limit your search to Ashaway items, click the “View Entire Collection” drop-down menu and choose “Ashaway.”
We ask that you limit your request to 5 items.
We can now also place holds for patrons. Please call us during curbside hours with your requests. Your 5 holds will not count toward your 5 items from Ashaway’s shelves. Information should be coming soon about when patrons will be able to place their own holds.
During your conversation with a staff member, you will be asked for your mobile phone number and a description of your vehicle. We will also assign you a pickup time. Please be sure to arrive at your designated pickup time.
Call the library at (401) 377-2770 when you are in the parking lot, but remain in your car.
A staff person will put your items on a table on the porch with a slip marked with your first name and last initial.
Once you are told by staff that you can pick up your materials, you can exit your car and retrieve them from the library’s porch.
If you arrive for your appointment and there is someone on the porch, please stay in your car even if you are on time for your appointment. Staff will work to ensure that only one person’s materials are on the porch at a time.
The free book cart will not be available during curbside hours. We will put it out after curbside hours each day so it will still be available for anyone who wants to grab something to read on the go.
Our goal is to make this process as easy and safe as possible for everyone, staff and patrons alike. To this end, please be sure to adhere to all current guidance regarding public health safety. If you or someone in your household is feeling unwell, please stay home. Wear a mask/face covering when outside your car and observe social distancing if necessary. The library building will remain closed to the public at this time. As much as we miss everyone and would love to see you all, no exceptions can be made to this policy.
We are very excited to be able to get library materials into the hands of our patrons, and we hope this service will work well for our library friends. Please bear with us as this procedure may need to be altered as we see how it works. When in doubt, call the library with any questions. If you leave a message, we will get it during the next curbside hours. Please speak clearly and provide a phone number when you leave a message. The library does not have caller ID.
We hope you are well and safe and, again, please email us at director@ashawaylibrary.org or call (401) 377-2770 with any questions or comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
REMINDERS:
*Our annual Book, Bake, and Plant sale, scheduled for May 16, will be rescheduled.
*All materials currently checked out will be due on July 1.
*All library cards which were set to expire between now and April 30 have been given a new expiration date of June 1. This allows you to continue to use your card for electronic resources.
*Holds currently waiting on the shelf will have extended pickup dates of at least one week after the library reopens.
*You can access electronic books and audiobooks through the Rhode Island eZone here: https://riezone.overdrive.com/
*Our WiFi is accessible all day, every day, from the library’s parking lot and grounds.
*If you do not have a current library card and would like to use electronic resources, you can apply for a temporary card here: https://www.oslri.org/application/
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