The Waurika City Council on March 12th voted to approve policy changes for the Waurika Public Library as recommended by the Library Board of Trustees.
Due to these new policy changes, all patrons will need to sign the updated Internet Access Agreement before use of electronic equipment (E.g. computers or tablets). All patrons under 18 will need to have their parent/guardian register them under the new Library Policy and Internet Access Agreement before using the library.
Summary of Policy changes:
* Age requirements for unattended children: Patrons under 12 or in 4th grade and below must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person over the age of 18.
* Unattended children are restricted from using southern room of library
* Patron computer usage limited to a total of 90 minutes/day
* Children/minors in the Library Policy are defined as patrons under the age of 18.
The following sections of the Library Policy have been amended to reflect the approved changes. A full copy of the updated Library Policy is available at the Waurika Public Library.
III. Patron Responsibilities and Conduct
Paragraph 2 Young children:
Therefore, it is library policy that all children under the age of 12 and/or in the Fourth Grade and under must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person over the age of 18 while in the library. Also, if the young a child under 12 is attending a library program, we may require the parent/responsible person to remain in the library throughout the program. Some exceptions to this rule may include attendance at the Summer Reading Program, Santa’s Workshop and Dr. Seuss Day. No child under the age of 18 will allowed in the South Room of the library without adult supervision.
XIII. Equipment Use Policy
Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Instructions for operating hardware as displayed near the computer. There is no charge for use of the computer; however, in order to make the service available to as many patrons as possible, a time limit for usage has been imposed. That time limit is one hour. Once the one-hour limit is reached, if there are no patrons waiting for the computers, a 15- minute extension may be allowed by library staff. Total usage time will not exceed 90 minutes in a calendar day. Library staff are available for general assistance in using the computer. However, staff are not expected to train patrons in the use of application programs. Tutorial manuals will be provided when available.
XIV. Internet Use Policy
Responsibility
As with all library resources, the library affirms the right and responsibility of parents and guardians to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. There is no age limit for use of any materials provided on the Internet. Parents or legal guardians who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the library’s Internet access are requested to monitor their children’s Internet use and must assume responsibility for their children’s use of the library’s Internet service; prior to being granted access to the Internet, a parent must sign the Internet Use Agreement for children under 18 years of age.
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years.
Many events and programs at the library are supported and funded by the Friends of the Waurika Public Library. The Friends have started their sponsorship drive for 2018. Sponsorship of the Friends starts at just $10. For more information, to become a sponsor, or volunteer, please visit the Waurika Public Library.
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