[Michlib-l] Children's Library Cards

[Nannette Pretzer]

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 at stcharlesdistrictlibrary.org

 

 

 

From: michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces at mcls.org] On
Behalf Of Mary Beth Reasoner
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2016 3:52 PM
To: Michlib-l at 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

 

mbreasoner@ <http://mbreasoner@tecumsehlibrary.org> tecumsehlibrary.org

 <http://www.tecumsehlibrary.org/> www.tecumsehlibrary.org

 

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

 

 

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