Animals at the Library Policy

Animals at the Library Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for animals on the premises of the Cranston Public Library (hereinafter “The Library”).^1.

Definitions
Library Premises - includes the interior and exterior of any library building or structure, as well as the surrounding land.
Service Animal - means a dog that has been, or is being, specifically trained to assist an individual with a disability, and includes a guide dog or hearing dog.

Policy
Bringing animals inside library buildings, except for service animals as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act and R.I. General Laws §40-9.1-2, or those allowed during special library programs is prohibited.

The following policy guidelines manage animals on library premises:

1. Patrons who bring animals into the library that do not meet the above criteria will be asked to remove them from the library. Failure to remove them may result in police action.
2. Misrepresentation of a service animal is a violation of Rhode Island law.^2. 
3. All service animals must be harnessed, leashed, tethered, or otherwise under the complete control of the owner at all times and cannot be let loose in the library.
4. The person using a service animal is solely liable for any damage done to persons or library premises by the service animal.^3.
5. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, in situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. 
6. If a service animal is not housebroken, or displays aggressive behavior or disturbs others by repeated growling and barking, the owner shall be asked to remove them from the library. Failure to remove the animal from the library may result in police action.
7. Feeding animals in the library is prohibited.
8. Dogs on library grounds must be leashed and under the control of their owners at all times.^4.
9. Animals may not be left on library premises unattended. 

Revision History
Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees on December 10, 2025. Replaces Service Animal Policy.
Revised February 11, 2026.

^1. Refers to the Cranston Public Library, its governing board of trustees and its appointed director.
^2. R.I. General Laws § 40-9.1-3.1- Misrepresentation of service animal.
^3.  R.I. General Laws § 40-9.1-2 - Service animals in public places.
^4. Cranston Code of Ordinances § 6.08.040 - Dogs to be kept under restraint.