The library is a treasure trove of books, resources, and programs for the public. And at the Cranston’s Central Public Library, one of those programs is giving away free locks to anyone who asks. Johnston residents are welcome to participate in the program.

The free locks are available at the Cranston Central branch located at140 Sockanosset Cross Road. Simply tell the reference desk team that you are looking for a free smart lock. They are given out free of charge and no questions asked.

In August, the local chapter of Moms Demand Action held a community event at the library through the Be Smart for Kids campaign. The event focused on sharing information about how to securely store a gun.

After the event, Ed Garcia, director of the Cranston Public Library, said the chapter asked if there was interest in distributing gun locks to residents, along with Be Smart for Kids information.

Moms Demand Action is a nationwide organization focused on gun safety. After seeing the tragedy of Sandy Hook, Shannon Watts, a mother of five, started the organization to reduce gun violence.

Susan Morettini, a volunteer for the local chapter of the organization, who also serves as the BeSmart for Kids lead, which focuses on gun safety regarding children.

She said there are other libraries participating – two in Providence, one in East Providence, one in Warwick and a few more.

“I think libraries are a safe community space,” Morettini said. “For the ones that have adopted this program, it’s gone well.”

Cranston Police Major Todd Patalano thinks this is a great program for the library.

“It’s good to see other agencies like the library doing this type of safety initiative because sometimes people get complacent with firearms and it’s a good reminder to everyone to ensure that they secure their firearms properly,” Patalano said.

Cranston Public Library has been particularly successful with the program. To date they have distributed about 45 gun locks, Morettini said.

Garcia said hosting a program like this at the library seemed “kind of a no-brainer.”

“Libraries are very good at lending things, and we have that whole process in place to do that,” Garcia said. “So, giving something out for free that would increase safety for the community seemed like an easy thing to do.”

Garcia said that earlier this year, the library hosted a program in concert with the Veterans Administration in Rhode Island.

During the event, free gun locks were given out because there had been a growing trend among veterans of suicide by gun, said Garcia.

Morettini said that the idea for the gun locks program was started by a veteran in North Kingstown. This program was also supported by the North Kingstown Library.

Inspired by the idea, the local chapter decided to start a gun-locks program focused on gun safety and responsible gun ownership around kids and reached out to more libraries.

“The community I think, relies on the library being that community space and nonpartisan civic space, and anything we can do to help increase the safety of the residents is something that we want to be part of,” Garcia said.

The library has had to replenish its supply of locks from Moms Demand Action at least twice already.

In June, a new law was passed requiring gun owners to securely store their firearms. The law also requires every school district statewide to distribute BeSmart for Kids gun safety information aimed at parents and caregivers.

 According to Cranston Police Chief Michael J. Winquist, the RI Safe Storage law requires firearms to be stored or secured in locked containers or equipped with tamper-resistant locks when not in use by the owner or another authorized user. Failure to comply with this law can result in fines and potential imprisonment.

“Firearms require responsible handling and secure storage,” said Winquist. “By keeping them locked and out of the reach of children and prohibited persons, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings and prevent tragedies.”

With an eye on the future, Morettini hopes to reach more libraries and continue with the program. Garcia said if supply continues and there’s still a demand, the program will continue at the library.