The Cumberland Public Library serves as its primary clientele the people of the Town of Cumberland, without regard for age, sex, religious or ethnic background, political affiliation, educational ability or economic status. As a member of the Ocean State Libraries (OSL), the Library further extends full access to its materials and services at no charge to the people of the state of Rhode Island, as well as to residents of other states who pay a yearly non-resident fee of $200.00. Preference is given to Cumberland residents in cases of registration for library programs and Freegal music downloads.
The Cumberland Public Library’s resources are chosen for people of all ages and reading/learning abilities, and include books, newspapers and periodicals, maps, pamphlets and vertical file materials, audio books, musical CD’s, DVD’s, puzzles, toys, museum passes, video games and online databases.
In addition, the Library has several meeting rooms, including a 35-person Seminar Room and a 220- person meeting hall, available for use by the community and town departments, which are restricted to local non-profit organizations.
The Library’s services for both children and adults include reader’s advisory, reference, and homework and referral assistance, either in-house, over the telephone, or e-mail. In addition, the Library offers programming geared especially for children, young adults, adults and the elderly, organization and circulation of materials, interlibrary loan, and computers for word-processing, spreadsheet applications and Internet searches. The Library also offers on-line databases, as well as Internet access. The library webpage provides access to the on-line catalog, selected on-line databases, the schedule of library program offerings, and numerous links to recommended Internet resources.