First of all, we have the same dilemma going on here at our library and would be interested in the responses you received.
Basically, our policy of issuing Children’s library cards is the same as your library. We have the same issues and frustrations in dealing with the parents whose cards are blocked due to fines and then get a card for the child.
So, our library board is also investigating the policy and would like to know what other libraries policies are.
Thanks for sharing!
Nannette Pretzer
Director
St. Charles District Library
104 W. Spruce Street
St. Charles, MI 48655
www.stcharlesdistrictlibrary.org
989-865-9371
n.pretzer@stcharlesdistrictlibrary.org
From: michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org] On Behalf Of Mary Beth Reasoner
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 3:52 PM
To: Michlib-l@mcls.org
Subject: [Michlib-l] Children's Library Cards
Dear All -
At this morning's Staff Meeting at Tecumseh District Library, we had a rousing discussion about when a child should be eligible to receive a library card. This discussion covered the age/grade/ability to write their names aspects and then progressed into talking about our frustrations in dealing with parents whose cards are blocked due to fines and long overdue materials who then open up a card in their young child's name so they (the adults) can still check out books and have access to our computers. (So yes, there are really two issues here.)
Our current policy is that a child can receive a TDL library card at any age. The Registration Card is filled out and signed by the parent or legal guardian. They then sign a Release Form that emphasizes it is their responsibility to keep the card in good standing and allows them access to the child's borrowing record.
As stated on our website:
Cards for Minors
Youths under the age of 18 will be issued their own Resident or Non-Resident library card when the parent or guardian signs a registration form and assumes all financial obligation.
Access to the youth's borrowing record will be provided only if a release form is signed by the parent or guardian.
A parent or guardian has to be present with the minor at the time of pick-up to sign the card and the Release Form. They must present a valid proof of residence.
I agree with our current policy (no age limit, no grade limit, no can-they-write-their-name limit) because it allows equal access to all children within our service area (and I am aware of the Library Bill of Rights for Minors which I will share with the staff), but the group had several strong differing opinions. So I promised my Director and colleagues that I would request feedback from other libraries via Michlib-l so we could review a range of different policies. So, here goes!
What is your library's policy concerning issuing library cards to minors and what is the reasoning or rationale behind that policy?
Thank you for your time and assistance as we seek to compare different policies.
Mary Beth
Mary Beth Reasoner
Children's Services Librarian
Tecumseh District Library
215 North Ottawa Street
Tecumseh, MI 49286-1564
517-423-2238
517-423-5519 (Fax)
"Let us read and let us dance, two amusements that will never do any harm to the world." - Voltaire