Lost and Found Policy

Lost and Found Policy

Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for “lost and found” items at the Cranston Public Library (hereinafter “the Library”).¹

Policy
It is the policy of the Library that:

1. The Library does not accept liability for any personal property brought onto library premises.²
2. Storing personal belongings on library premises is prohibited.
3. Library staff cannot monitor personal belongings. Unattended items will be removed and may be discarded.
4. Lost and Found items are dated and stored for a period of fourteen (14) days. We will make reasonable attempts to contact identified owners so they can reclaim their items. Items not claimed within fourteen (14) days become the property of the Library and will be discarded.
5. Beverage containers, personal care items and other perishable items may be disposed of.
6. The Library has limited storage space. Items that are too large or deemed unsafe or unsanitary may be discarded.
7. Certain types of property, including but not limited to unclaimed ID cards, credit cards, wallets, purses, laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices will be turned over to the Cranston Police Department.

Revision History
Adopted by the Cranston Public Library Board of Trustees on October 12, 2016
Revised 6/12/2019
Revised 12/10/2025

¹ refers to the Cranston Public Library, its governing board of trustees and its appointed director.
² includes the interior and exterior of any library building or structure, as well as the surrounding land.