Mission Statement:

The purpose of the Barrington Public Library is to provide, without charge, diverse and easily accessible materials, services and programs to educate, inform, enrich and entertain all the residents of Barrington and the greater Rhode Island community. The Barrington Public Library provides equal access to all users, and seeks to make available the broadest possible spectrum of information and ideas, through a variety of formats including print and electronic.

The Library is a member of the Ocean State Library Network (OSL), comprised of 49 public libraries throughout Rhode Island. Holdings information is made available through a shared online catalog. The Library also offers databases which may be accessed through the Internet at the Library, or from a patron’s home or business.

Because service to all age groups is the function of the Library, materials and programs are provided to meet the special needs and interests of each group. The Library recognizes its responsibility to contribute to the lifelong learning of adults in the community, and strives to satisfy the developmental needs of children and young adults. It works closely with parents and cooperates with school librarians and teachers. The Library reaches out to those with special needs by committing funding for special collections and services to promote literacy, and to provide materials and aids for the visually and hearing impaired.

The Library cooperates with the town Boards and Commissions as well as community organizations by providing material and reference assistance and other services.

The Library observes American Library Association policies regarding freedom of access, including the Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, and related statements contained in the Intellectual Freedom Manual. It upholds the principles of intellectual freedom, the citizen’s right to information, the right to confidentiality of users’ records, and opposes censorship.