PARENT RESOURCES 

Parent Information

In cooperation with the Office on Youth and other social service agencies, the Library has developed a collection of materials specially for parents. Books and other materials that discuss reading and book selection are included in the collection. This collection is located at the Main Library, and a resource list is available on the Homepage and at the branches. 

Library Cards

Does my child need a library card?

Library cards are not needed for participation in pro-grams. A library card is required for check out of all materials and for the use of some of our services. To learn more about obtaining a library card at the Washington County Public Library click here. 

How old does my child need to be to get a library card?

We leave this decision up to the parents. Our recommendation is that the child needs to be able to write his/her own name and understand the responsibilities of caring for borrowed materials. Many parents choose to make this a family event by having the whole family register together and by taking pictures.

Internet Access For Children

Special permission to use the Internet at the Library is required for a person under the age of 18. This permission must be given by a parent or guardian and must be signed in the presence of a staff person.

Home School Resources

Library Staff in all our libraries are sensitive to the needs and interests of parents and children who are being home schooled. The Library staff are in the process of developing a special collection of materials and resource guide to assist this special interest group. We welcome suggestions and ideas from parents and children as we develop this service.

The reference staff has identified these links as being helpful electronic resources for Home schoolers.   

Reading Lists

An extensive group of reading lists have been compiled by the staff in our Children's Department. the lists are arranged by age, reading level, topic, and award category. The most comprehensive group of lists are available in the Parents Resources Center, located at the Main Library. Condensed lists are available at the branches.
 

Behavior In The Library

We love having happy active children in the library; however, disruptive or destructive behavior from anyone is unacceptable. Such behavior includes: 

• Running
• Chasing
• Shouting
• Throwing books or toys
• Removing large numbers of books from the shelves

Staff may speak to a child or parent in a positive non-threatening way as a reminder of acceptable behavior. In extreme cases of disruptive or destructive behavior, appropriate action on the part of the staff may occur and parents notified of such problems. 

Safety

We love children and want their visits to the library to be fun and safe for all. Please observe these rules: 

• Children under the age of 6 should not be left unattended while searching for a book or using the Internet.
• Children under the age of 10 should not come to the library without some supervision from a parent, older sibling or childcare provider.
• Arrangements and contingency plans for picking up and dropping off children should be made within our normal hours of operation.
• Staff cannot be responsible for children remaining past program time.
• A courtesy telephone is available for children to make short calls in regard to arrangements for transportation.
• Children may not receive calls while in the library.
• Library staff cannot assume responsibility for the safety, care or supervision of children left alone in the library.

Selection Of Materials

The Library adheres to the American Library Association statement on “Free Access to Libraries for Minors.” This statement assures a minor of the right to select and use any materials in the library and stresses that it is the right and responsibility of the parent to restrict use of certain materials and to supervise and assist in the selection of materials that are acceptable to the parents. This policy of free access to materials extends to use of the Internet. Parental permission is required for children under the age of 18 to use the Internet. It is the responsibly of the parent to supervise and direct their child on acceptable materials  to be accessed over the Internet. Resources are available to help par-parents supervise the use of the Internet by their children and to assist their children in the selection of materials. Children under the age of 8 may use the Internet only if accompanied by an adult. 

Help For Parents

What do I do if I need help in using the Library?

The children’s specialists would be your first source for help with youth services; however, they are sometimes in programs and away from their desks. The staff at the reference desk or the circulation desk will  be glad to assist you in locating materials or using HAL, our online catalog.