Answering community raised concerns, the Library Board of Trustees adopted a Library Cards for Minors Policy in March 2023.  The Policy created two limited access library card options, child and teen restricted. Both cards allow parents to control their children’s borrowing at the library and block online access to library databases and digital book collections.

 

A child restricted card allows borrowing of only material in the children’s section written and geared for readers 0-12 years of age.  The teen restricted card allows only materials written or geared to minors under 15 years of age.The Children's card has been available since summer with the teen card and collection coming online January 1, 2024. 

 

Materials written for “teens” that are 17, 18 or 19-year-olds may contain much more mature content than a parent would find suitable for a young teen of 13-years. Suitability varies greatly between books, depending largely on the subject matter and the individual reader.  All Community Library Network branches now offer three collections geared towards minors: children (0-12), teen (13-15) and young adult (16-17).  Together, collection categories and library staff with specialized skills and training to assist readers find what they are looking for, will help facilitate access and provide guidance to community members seeking materials suitable for library users of all ages.  

 

An unplanned benefit, staff now expect the new teen collection to help create an even greater sense of belonging and a special space for teens aged 13-15 years within the library.

 

“Teens need a safe space to explore and discover,” says Library Director Alexa Eccles.  “All ages should enjoy themselves and get the most from the public library.  Our libraries are evolving but they remain the place in the community to turn when you have questions and need information and assistance.”