Parents’ Guide

A Library Use Guide for Parents and Guardians

Thank you for encouraging your child’s use of the library! We’re so glad you’re here!

We believe it is essential for you to take an active role in guiding your child’s use of the library.

You decide if your child gets a library card

If you have a child under the age of 18, they can only obtain a library card with your permission. We will not issue a library card to a minor without the parent or legal guardian willing to sign the child’s registration card.

You have responsibilities

By signing the library card application, you accept responsibility for returning borrowed items on time and in good condition.

With your signature, you also acknowledge that your child will have access to a wide variety of resources and that you will monitor their use of the library.

Children ten (10) years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or assigned a chaperone age fourteen (14) or older.

You decide what your child may borrow

You can choose if you want your child to be able to borrow movies and video games and if you want them to have access to the internet.

If at any time you wish to change your child’s borrowing privileges, just stop by the Customer Service Desk.

You have monitoring options

If you lose track of what’s been borrowed on a child’s card, contact us.

You can also check your child’s borrowing record online:

  • Click My Account to login with their library card number and PIN.
  • If you don’t know the PIN, contact us.

Once you login, you will be able to see what’s checked out, when the items are due back, or if anything is overdue.

You can also tell if any holds have been placed and if they are available. You can even cancel holds.

Take an active role in your child’s library use

  • Visit the library together and help your child choose what to borrow. You are the best person to know what’s appropriate for your child.
  • Talk to your child about their visit to the library and about what they borrowed. Lead by example: share what you’re reading, too!
  • Designate a special place in your home for library materials. That way you can easily keep an eye on what’s been borrowed and when the items are due back.
  • Parents of younger children may choose to be the keeper of their child’s library card. We often see parents with a bundle of cards on their key chains.
  • Parents of older children or teens may want to talk with them about the importance of keeping up with their borrowed materials and library account. Remind them that even though they have their own card, you are still responsible for any items they check out.