Community Library Network established in 2023 a new “teen collection” geared towards 13 – 15-year-olds.  Collections for Minors within the Community Library Network include a Children’s Collection geared towards 0 - 12-year-olds, a Teen Collection geared towards 13 - 15-year-olds, and a Young Adult Collection geared towards 16- and 17-year-olds.  Community Library Network recognizes children have freedom of speech codified in the First Amendment but are limited in some ways by capacity, which is often age dependent.  Protecting children aged 0 – 12 -years from explicit and potentially developmentally damaging sexual content is a serious consideration for the entire community, library board and staff.  For that reason, nonsexual nudity may only be included in the Children’s collection, which is geared for ages 0-12, if it is mild and the material was specifically written and geared towards a very young audience.  No graphic, visual or written depictions of sex is included in this collection. Locating a book or materials in the Teen or Young Adult collections limits the ability of very young readers, under 12 years of age, from borrowing materials if their parent or legal guardian has chosen one of CLN’s children’s or teen restricted library card access for them.

 

It can be difficult to navigate today’s political landscape and rhetoric regarding libraries.  So, I stake my name, reputation, and 30+ year career as a librarian, in offering reassurance, no materials owned by Community Library Network are “harmful to minors”.  Libraries are an essential public good.

 

  -Alexa Eccles

   Community Library Network Director

 

Adult Programming and Youth Services are teaming up this month and inviting all the parents and caretakers along with their pre-school kiddos to come to our early learning play-doh parties being held across the district.