Warsaw Public Library
Children’s Library Use Policy
Service to children is an important part of the library’s mission. We welcome children in the library and hope that their experiences here will be positive.
Please keep in mind that the library is a public place open to all individuals. It is not the library staff’s function to provide supervision or to care for unattended children. The following guidelines will help insure a good library experience:
· For their comfort and safety, a responsible caretaker must accompany children under 7.
· Any child who feels unsafe in the library for any reason should inform a library staff member.
· If children are left alone in the library, library staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian. If no responsible adult can be located, staff will contact the local police department.
· Caregivers are expected to be aware of the opening and closing times of the library, bearing in mind that these can and do change. Power failures or other emergencies can occur and may require unexpected closing of the building. Since children left alone outside the library could be vulnerable, an effort will be made to contact the parent, guardian, or caregiver prior to closing. If, however, a child is left at the Library after closing time or as the result of an emergency closing, the police will be called.
· Children ages 7 through 17 may use the library without a caretaker being present. They are expected to adhere to the same standards of conduct expected of adults. All library users are expected to respect library property and to act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library. Children who do not use the Library appropriately may be asked to leave the building.
· The library believes it is the right and responsibility of a parent or guardian to determine what is appropriate material in order to meet personal family standards and guidelines. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children and to select material with their children or review their children’s selections. The library is not responsible for a minor’s selection of library materials.
· Adults who are using the Internet or other library services and programs must supervise or provide guidance and behavior control for minors accompanying them. The library reserves the right to prohibit Internet use, and/or ask the adults and minor children to leave if unacceptable behavior persists.
· Library policy requires the signature of a parent or guardian to approve the application for a library card for anyone under age 18.
· The Library requires the parent or guardian of a minor child to be responsible for all overdue, lost or damaged materials and fines, fees and other debts accrued by a minor child.
· All children under age 18 must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian, signed on the library permission form in the presence of a library employee, to access the Internet. The library is not responsible for the content or appropriateness of any materials accessed on the Internet.
· All computers in the Warsaw Public Library are currently filtered in compliance with the Children’s Online Protection Act (CIPA). Filters limit materials accessed by the user, although they do not guarantee that objectionable material will not be seen.
· Children’s use of all library materials, including the Internet, is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian.
· All personal belongings should be kept with patrons at all times. The staff cannot store personal belongings.
adopted 12/14/10
