Barrington Public Library
🏢 Ocean State Libraries Member · Barrington, Rhode Island
Barrington Public Library
Housed in the 1917 Leander R. Peck School since 1984, Barrington Public Library ranks as Rhode Island's third most active public library — circulating more than 383,000 items a year and offering a Makerspace, 21 museum pass partners, and Kanopy film streaming to its 16,310 residents.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–4:30pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4:30pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 281 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806
Phone: (401) 247-1920
Website: barringtonlibrary.org
Plus Code: 87HCPMRV+55 (Barrington, RI)
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Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Barrington Public Library
Barrington Public Library traces its roots to 1880, when the Town of Barrington appropriated $250 to launch its first free public collection and residents donated more than 2,000 volumes. The library has occupied its current home — the renovated 1917 Leander R. Peck School at 281 County Road — since 1984 following a bond-funded conversion, with further renovations in 2005 and 2017 that added a Makerspace Studio, a Library of Things, and a dedicated children's program room. Today Rhode Island's third most active public library circulates 383,425 items annually for a community of 16,310 and holds 127,318 volumes. As a proud member of Ocean State Libraries (OSL), one card works seamlessly at all 50+ member libraries across the state, unlocking a wide suite of digital resources including Kanopy, the Ocean State eZone, and AskRI research databases.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Rhode Island's third most active public library — 383,425 items circulated annually for 16,310 residents
- Housed in the 1917 Leander R. Peck School, listed in the Barrington Civic Center Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places
- Makerspace Studio (currently being refreshed) with Glowforge Pro laser cutter, 3D printer, Silhouette Cameo, and Cricut heat press
- 21 museum pass partners bookable online — including MFA Boston, Museum of Science, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Battleship Cove, and Mystic Seaport
- Library of Things collection, Seed Library, homebound delivery service, and annual Summer Reading program for all ages
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Barrington cardholders access digital resources through Ocean State Libraries at no charge:
📚 Services
- Borrowing of books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines and e-materials via OSL card
- Library of Things — borrow unexpected items from the circulating collection
- Seed Library — check out vegetable, herb and flower seeds each growing season
- Book Club in a Bag kits for groups
- Homebound delivery service for patrons unable to visit in person
- Museum passes — 21 cultural institutions bookable at barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/passes
- Makerspace Studio — 3D printer, Glowforge laser cutter, Silhouette Cameo and Cricut heat press (reopening TBA)
- Meeting and study rooms for community reservation
- Art exhibit space for community and local artists
- Print, copy, scan and fax services
- Interlibrary loan via the OSL consortium (50+ member libraries)
🎸 Programs
- Storytimes and early literacy programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- After-school STEM and homework help for children and teens
- Summer Reading Program — annual all-ages challenge
- Author talks and speaker series
- Concerts and musical programming (Calvin and Jean Cronin Fund)
- Film screenings and discussion groups
- Adult book clubs
- Community art exhibits in the library's dedicated gallery space
📍 Nearby Libraries in Bristol County & Beyond
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Barrington · Browse all Rhode Island libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Makerspace Studio at Barrington Public Library, and when will it reopen?
The Makerspace Studio is a hands-on technology space housing a Flashforge 3D printer, a Glowforge Pro CNC laser cutter, a Silhouette Cameo cutting machine, and a Cricut heat press for fabric projects. The space is currently being refreshed; reopen dates will be announced at barringtonlibrary.org and by email. A valid OSL card in good standing is required to use equipment.
How do I borrow a museum pass, and which museums are available?
Museum passes are provided free to cardholders by the Friends of the Barrington Public Library. Reserve online up to two weeks in advance at barringtonlibrary.libcal.com/passes. Destinations include MFA Boston, Museum of Science, Roger Williams Park Zoo (e-passes, no pickup needed), Battleship Cove, Mystic Seaport, RISD Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Herreshoff Marine Museum, and more. Returnable passes must be picked up after 3 pm and returned by 9 am the next morning.
Can I stream films and shows free with a Barrington library card?
Yes — Barrington Public Library provides access to Kanopy, a streaming platform with 30,000+ films including documentaries, independent cinema, and world cinema. Cardholders receive 30 tickets per month (most titles cost 1 ticket) and can stream on any device via the app or browser. Access the service at barringtonlibrary.kanopy.com with your OSL card.
Can I get a library card if I live outside Barrington?
Yes. Any Rhode Island resident can obtain an Ocean State Libraries (OSL) card from any OSL member library, including Barrington. Non-residents may inquire about a non-resident card at the circulation desk. An OSL card grants borrowing privileges at all 50+ member libraries across the state and unlocks the full suite of digital resources including the Ocean State eZone (Libby), Kanopy, and AskRI databases.
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