Flag Policy

Flag Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the display of flags at the Cranston Public Library (hereinafter “the Library”)¹.

Policy
It is the policy of the Library that flags should be displayed in accordance with Federal law as stated in the federal “Our Flag” publication of the U.S. Congress, House Document No. 96-144; and relevant Rhode Island state laws.

Protocol for Lowering the U.S. or State Flag
The U.S. flag can be lowered to half-staff only at the direction of the President of the United States or the Governor². The state flag can be lowered only at the direction of the Governor. 

Standard Days for Lowering the U.S. Flag
Federal guidelines state the flag should be flown at half-staff on the following dates:

• May 15 – Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless it is the third Saturday in May, which is Armed Forces Day. Flags remain at full staff all day on Armed Forces Day.
• Last Monday of May – Memorial Day
• July 27 – Korean War Veterans Day
• September 11 – Patriots Day
• First Sunday in October – Start of Fire Prevention Week
• December 7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Rhode Island General Laws state both the U.S. and state flag be flown at half-staff on the following dates:

• October 28 – In honor of first responders³

Other Flags

The Library’s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public and the library does not permit flags to be raised on request of private entities. 

The following flags may be displayed at the Library as an expression of the Board of Trustees’ official sentiments:

1. Flags displayed in conjunction with official events, proclamations, or ceremonies as announced by the Mayor or City Council.

Revision History

Adopted by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on November 9, 2022.

Revised January 14, 2026.

¹ refers to the Cranston Public Library, its governing board of trustees and its appointed director.
² The United States Code Title 4 gives direction on how the flag is to be displayed. Regarding displaying the flag at half-staff, it states, "By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a state, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential Instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death or a present or former official of the government of any state, territory, or possession of the United States or the death of a member of the Armed Forces from any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. When the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, or the Mayor of the District of Columbia, issues a proclamation under the preceding sentence that the National flag be flown at half-staff in that State, territory, or possession or in the District of Columbia because of the death of a member of the Armed Forces, the National flag flown at any Federal Installation or facility in the area covered by that proclamation shall be flown at half-staff consistent with that proclamation.”
³ In accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 25-2-61. Lowering of flags to half-mast on state buildings to honor first responders. The Governor shall order lowering of both the U.S. and State flag annually on October 28.