Mission:

The Cumberland Public Library is committed to serving the changing needs of our community by providing a gateway to free sources of knowledge, information and entertainment both within and beyond our walls.

About Us:

The Library is housed in a former monastery built in 1900 by Trappist Monks of the Cistercians of the Strict Observance, who left after a fire destroyed many of the buildings in 1950. The town incorporated three smaller libraries into one in 1976 by a town resolution establishing a Library Board of Trustees.  The library is a member of the statewide automated library network, known as Ocean State Libraries. Here you can access the library's online catalog and place holds, check your account and renew materials.

A free flow of ideas is necessary to a democratic society so that citizens may make informed choices about their personal lives, their group activities and associations, and their government. 

Because a vibrant, informed community ensures the future, the Library serves by collecting and organizing materials, offering reader’s advisory service and programs of interest to specific groups, and reference and referral assistance. 

The Library believes in the freedom to learn, read and discover and serves all people without regard for age, sex, religious or ethnic background, political affiliation, educational ability or economic status.

The Library promotes literacy and a love of reading, but adapts and innovates to stay relevant to patrons' changing needs and interests. We are a learning organization and invest in our staff, technology, and infrastructure to improve service.

The Library enriches lives by fostering lifelong learning and by ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information.