Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the definition of young people, children and young adults will be used:
The term young people comprises both children and young adults.
The term children is understood to refer to children aged from birth to twelve years inclusive.
The term young adult… is understood to refer to young people aged from thirteen to eighteen years inclusive.
A child is unattended when out of sight of a parent or caregiver
The Sherburne Memorial Library is committed to serving the information and recreation needs of young people. The Library strives to provide a welcoming environment, and provides targeted resources and programs to meet the needs of young people.
Public libraries are agencies that provide the public (including young people) with access to information and recreational materials through a variety of services and resources. Libraries also support young people through the provisions of programs that foster and appreciation of literature and promote the development of information literacy skills.
The Sherburne Memorial Library’s services to young people include:
- Fiction and non-fiction (study and recreational books)
- Magazines
- DVDs
- Computers and Internet access
- Assistance from staff in accessing collections and information
- Internet training
- Programs
- Pre-school and Toddler story time
- Space for study.
Parental Responsibility Statement
Access to resources
The role of library staff is to guide and assist young people in finding and accessing any resources appropriate to particular interests and inquiries. Parents/caregivers are responsible for setting any boundaries or restrictions for their child.
Library collections are available to all library users without restriction. It is not the responsibility of the Sherburne Memorial Library or its staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive role in determining which library resources young people may use or access. The Library encourages parents/caregivers to set their own family rules in consultation with their child. It is the responsibility of parents/caregivers to monitor young people’s selection and use of library resources.
The Library exercises no limitation on access. The Library has no censorship role in its choice of the library resources that form the collection.
Access to electronic resources
Library staff are available to assist clients in the use of the Internet, and to recommend websites on particular subjects. A number of appropriate websites have been selected for inclusion in the Library’s electronic collections and paper guides.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet, in line with the Library’s Computer and Internet Use Policy. The Library does not monitor or control the content of materials offered through the Internet.
Unattended Children
Parents should not view the library as an alternative to daycare. Staff will not be placed in the position of supervising children except when in scheduled library programs.Staff members are concerned when parents leave their young children alone or in the care of an older sibling or friend. They become bored and restless leading to disruptive behavior. Therefore, for the safety and protection of all patrons, the Sherburne Memorial Library has developed the following policy.
· All CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 8 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT OR A RESPONSIBLE CAREGIVER.
· YOUTH, AGED 8 AND UP, ARE WELCOME TO USE THE LIBRARY AS LONG AS THEIR BEHAVIOR IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BEHAVIOR POLICY.
· PARENTS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT IF THEIR CHILDREN MISBEHAVE THEY WILL BE TOLD TO LEAVE THE LIBRARY.
· PARENTS SHOULD REALIZE IN THEIR ABSENCE THEY ARE LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR.
· CHILDREN MUST BE PICKED UP BY PRIOR TO CLOSING MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY.
· POLICE WILL BE CALLED FOR CHILDREN LEFT WAITING AT CLOSING TIME.
Adopted October 16, 2002
Revised and adopted: Nov. 19, 2003
Revised and adopted: February 16, 2005
Readopted October 10, 2007
Revised and adopted: February 12, 2013
Sherburne Memorial Library 