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Policies
CIRCULATION POLICIES Adults may apply for a library card with a valid I.D. showing their current address (driver's license preferred). Children may apply for a card if the child is able to legibly write or print his or her own name on the card. There is no minimum age limit, but we encourage children to practice their signature before registering. The staff person on duty reserves the right to determine whether the child's handwriting is legible enough to be issued a card. Although there is no limit to the number of books on a child's card, there is a limit of 5 videos. A card must be present for checkout of all library materials including museum passes. (We can place holds without the card and we can also renew without the card.)A driver's license may be used for I.D. in place of a library card only once. The card must be replaced if it cannot be located a second time. The fee for card replacement is one dollar. Patrons may check out up to 5 pieces of audio-visual media:
$10 dollars or more owed on a library borrower's record, or more than 7 overdue items will block a card. Also, lost items not paid for will block a card. Please sign up to use a computer with the log-in form. We may limit work to 30 minutes if there are patrons waiting. Drinks must have a cover to prevent spillage. Be sure to save all work to a flashdrive while working. Do not shut down computers when you are finished. When you apply for a library card you will be asked to sign a statement that you understand that the information found on the Internet is unregulated and uncontrollable. By signing the statement you agree that the Ames Free Library cannot be held responsible for the information, text, graphics or pictures found on the Internet. Children under 18 need a signed parent's permission form. Parents must sign the form in person for each child. Internet use, first and foremost, is for research. Appropriate and Inappropriate Internet Use Commercial use or political lobbying is inappropriate. Transmitting threatening or harassing material is illegal. Viewing websites with explicitly sexual or violent content is inappropriate. Copying or downloading copyrighted material is illegal. Knowingly transmitting computer viruses is illegal. Library staff may suspend computer use privileges - or library privileges - for anyone who fails to comply with these guidelines. If you have any questions or need help, please feel free to ask the reference or youth services staff. LIBRARY UNATTENDED CHILD POLICY Introduction: The Ames Free Library encourages children of all ages to visit the library and hopes they will find it a warm, inviting place to be. Programs and resources are offered to make the library enticing to children, to help children enjoy their visits, and to develop a love of books, reading and libraries. The happiness and safety of children left alone at the library can be of serious concern. Young children left on their own in the library often become frightened or anxious. Children may be able to occupy their time for a short while, but when left unattended for any length of time when no library programs are being offered, they become bored, restless, and disruptive. Young children are not safe when left unattended in the library. The staff cannot know if the children are leaving the building with parents or with strangers. It is not the library's intention to seek out unattended children, but rather to have a reasoned response prepared when a problem presents itself. For the protection and well being of children who visit our library, the following policy has been established. Unattended Child When the Library is Open: Children under 6 Children under the age of 6 may not be left unattended by an adult in any part of the Library. If children under the age of 6 are found without an adult, staff will attempt to locate the parent or other caregiver. Programs - During story times or other programs, adults who do not attend the program with the child must remain in the building and must be visible when the program is over. Children 6-8 Children 6-8 must have a parent or caregiver in the building with them at all times during the library visit. If children 6-8 are found without an adult, staff will attempt to locate the parent or other caregiver. Children 9-12 These children are welcome to use the library unattended but should not be left alone for extended periods of time. No public place, including the library, can guarantee the safety of children. Parents are responsible for their behavior. If a child becomes anxious or disruptive the staff will attempt to find the parent or caregiver in the library. If they are not available the staff will call the child's home. It is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to be accessible to pick up the child at any time. Children 13 years and older Children 13 and over are old enough to use the library responsibly. If problems arise, they may be asked to leave or parents may be contacted. It is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to be accessible to pick up the child at any time. THE CHILD MUST HAVE A WAY FOR THE STAFF TO CONTACT THE PARENT OR CAREGIVER AT ALL TIMES WHEN THEY ARE LEFT UNATTENDED IN THE LIBRARY. No Child 16 years or younger may be unattended in the library one half hour before library closing. Unattended Youth During Emergency Closings: The Ames Free Library will close due to emergencies because of inclement weather, power outages, etc. If the Easton Schools close because of inclement weather the Library may also close. No child may be sent to the library if the schools close early due to emergencies. When the library closes because of inclement weather or an emergency and school is still in session the schools will be notified and an announcement will be made. Please remember if your child is 9 years to 16 years and is left unattended THE STAFF MUST HAVE A WAY OF CONTACTING THE PARENT OR CAREGIVER AT ALL TIMES THEY ARE LEFT UNATTENDED IN THE LIBRARY. THE PARENT OR CAREGIVER MUST HAVE DEFINITE ARRANGEMENTS TO PICK UP THE CHILD BEFORE CLOSING TIME. 30 minutes before closing the library on any normal day or in an emergency, an adult staff member will call the parent or caregiver to verify that the child will be picked up before closing. If a parent or caregiver cannot be reached after trying for 15 minutes the police department will be asked if they can assist the staff in helping to get the child home safely. STAFF WILL NOT DRIVE CHILDREN HOME. STAFF WILL MAKE A WRITTEN REPORT CONCERNING THE INCIDENT. Approved by the Library Board of Directors. Top of PageThe Teen Library at the Ames Free Library located at 56 Main Street is a space for teens ages 12 -18. It was created to offer this age group an inviting place to read, study, use computers, and find materials selected just for them. Following the rules and policies below will ensure that all teens feel welcome and comfortable in this space. Appropriate activities in the Teen Library include:
The Teen Library should only be used for its intended purposes; therefore the following behaviors are not acceptable:
Teens exhibiting any of the above behaviors will be asked to leave the Teen Library immediately. Repeat incidents may result in the loss of library privileges. The materials in this room are intended for a teen audience. Library staff will not censor a patron’s selection. Parents are responsible for deciding which items they feel are appropriate for their children. Items (books, books on CD, playaways, graphic novels, DVDs) are selected for content not reading level, so please be aware that ages 12 – 18 encompasses a wide range of maturity. The computers and study space in this area are reserved for teens. General policies and computer policy at the Teen Library are consistent with those for the library as a whole. Top of Page |
