The State of Rhode Island provides financial support ("grant-in-aid") to libraries in accordance with RIGL 29-6. State grants are administered by the Office of Library and Information Services in the following categories:

• Institutional library grant-in-aid for state supported institutions (per RIGL 29-6-7)
• Public library construction reimbursement (per RIGL 29-6-6)
• Public library grant-in-aid (paid to municipalities per RIGL 29-6-2)
• Statewide Reference Resource Center (maintained by the Providence Public Library) (per RIGL 29-6-9)

Eligibility requirements are regulated by statute and regulations promulgated by the Office of Library and Information Services. Applications for grant-in-aid are filed in conjunction with the annual report for institutional and public libraries. Applications for Public Library Construction Reimbursement are accepted on a continuing basis. The Statewide Reference Resource Center grant is awarded annually and subject to contractual terms established by the Office of Library and Information Services and the Providence Public Library.