R.I. Gen. Laws § 29-2-4: Use of historical society libraries.

All books, periodicals, and papers in the keeping of the Rhode Island Historical Society, the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, and the Newport Historical Society, shall at all reasonable times be open to the use of all the citizens of the state, under the same conditions pertaining to the members of the society as long as funds are provided under §§ 29-2-1, 29-2-2, 29-2-2.1, and 29-2-3.