Children's Policy

The intent of this policy is to educate and inform parents and children of their rights and responsibilities at the Grand County Public Library. Please feel free to ask the staff for help if you do not understand any part of this policy. The Library seeks to provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable place for children to explore the world of books and information.  The policy guides staff and families and includes information about Internet use, unattended children, library materials checked out to children, and a code of conduct, along with consequences for violation of these policies. 

Part A.  Definitions

“Children” means persons under the age of 18.

“Parents” include legal guardians.

“Responsible Persons” means  persons over the age of 16.

“Library materials” means books, audio tapes, videos, DVD’s, music CD’s, and other items owned by the library for public use.

Part B.  Internet Usage

Parents must sign the “Children’s Library Policy Agreement” in order for their children to use the library computers.  In an effort to comply with Utah Code regarding computer use in public libraries, the Library prohibits illegal activity on Internet computers and takes no responsibility for content of materials children view on the Internet, games they may play on the computers, etc.  Staff members oversee computers for illegal activity as much as possible, but parents are responsible for their children, whether they are present or not.  Briefly, illegal Internet activity includes gambling, fraud, and viewing obscene materials. Additionally, children are not allowed to engage in Internet “chat rooms” unless prior arrangements are made with a parent and the children’s library specialist or the Library Director (for example, some chat rooms facilitate discussion between children who all suffer from a common disease, and serve as support groups). 

The Library provides three types of computers for children, and limits use to two hours per day per child:

o       A toddler computer, for young children (no Internet access)

o       Children’s computers (for up to age 15)

o       Children’s Gates computer (for all children, and adults when not in use).  No games or email are allowed on the Gates machine.

o       Children over the age of 13 may use the adult Internet computers, but may not use both children’s and adult computers on the same day.

For the complete text of the Utah Code that pertains to Internet use in the library, please ask the library staff or find it on the world wide web: (Utah Code Annotated 9-7-215, 9-7-216, and Rule 223.2. 

Part C.  Unattended Children.

No child under the age of 8 may visit the library unless accompanied by a responsible person (someone 16 or older).  That person must remain with the child under the age of 8 and is responsible for that child’s conduct.

If a child under the age of 8 is unattended at the library, the staff will make a reasonable attempt to notify a parent to supervise the child.  If a parent cannot be reached, the Department of Child and Family Services or local law enforcement may be notified.
 

Part D.  Library Materials

All library materials checked out to children are the responsibility of the parent. The Library staff will not intervene in any borrowing with regard to subject matter or content. Children are welcome to borrow library materials if their parent has obtained a library card for them. Children’s cards are free but must be associated with a parent’s card in good standing. Adult cards cost $1.00.  Once in a while, children accidentally lose or destroy library books or tapes; it is the parent’s responsibility to pay for lost or ruined materials, or to pay overdue fines on items returned late.  The Library limits borrowing on library cards that have more than $2.00 in fines or replacement fees accrued.  While the staff encourages children to borrow items from the library, it may not be possible to loan items to a child with a delinquent account.  If a child or parent is unable to pay fines for financial reasons, arrangements for financial aid may be made at the discretion of the Library Director or designated staff.  For a complete detail of library circulation policies and fine schedules, please refer to the Library Circulation Policy passed by the Library Board of Directors in November, 1997. This policy is available at the circulation desk or may be viewed online at www.moablibrary.org.

Part E.  Code of Conduct (for library users of all ages).

The Library is a place of inquiry, study, and recreation for all members of the community.  In order to maintain a pleasant experience for visitors and staff, the following guidelines have been established.  Violations of the Code of Conduct may have consequences, detailed below.

            The following behaviors are not allowed:

o       Behavior that disrupts others (continuous loud talking or continuous loud laughter).

o       Angry outbursts, arguments, or any aggression (intimidation, shoving, hitting, interfering with a game or computer session).

o       Bare feet are unsafe and are not allowed.

o       Behavior that jeopardizes the safe condition of library materials or the safety of the staff is not allowed.

o       Defying or ignoring direct instructions from staff (e.g., to end a computer session, leave the library at closing time, etc.).

o       Any behavior that is illegal is not allowed on the library property.

o       Weapons are not allowed in the library unless the owner carries a legal permit.

Part F.  Consequences.

Consequences for violating Library policies may include:

o       Verbal warning from staff or other patrons.

o       Ending a computer session or being required to leave the library.

o       Revocation or suspension of library privileges including access to computers or access to the building. Repeat offenses could subject offender to arrest and prosecution for trespass and other violations. 

Questions or concerns about this or any Library policy may be addressed to the Library Director or the Library Board of Directors (Trustees).  Adopted by the Grand County Public Library Board of Directors on June 12, 2003.
 

Revised June 2003.