This policy refers to anyone age 15 and younger.

The NWPL welcomes children of all ages and is committed to making the Library an inviting and fun place. Special programs, story times, books, and games are some of the ways the NWPL reaches out to young people to help them develop a love of books, libraries, and learning. Young people age 15 and under may use the computers in the Children’s Library. They are not permitted to use those on the mezzanine.

NWPL resources for young people include:

• Fiction and nonfiction books
• Magazines
• DVDs
• Computer and Internet access
• Assistance from staff in accessing collection and information
• Internet training
• Special programs
• Baby and preschool story times
• Space for study
• Educational games and puzzles

Library collections and Internet access are available to all patrons without restriction. It is not the responsibility of the NWPL staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive role in determining which resources young people may access. Parents and caregivers are responsible for their children’s use of Library resources as well as the Internet.

Responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children using the Library rests with the parent, guardian, or caregiver assigned by the parent, not with the Library staff. The staff is not responsible for the whereabouts of children, whether they are inside or outside the Library.

Children age 10 and younger need to be supervised at all times by an adult or responsible adolescent who is at least 14 years old.  A child is considered unattended when out of sight of a parent or caregiver.

Children are expected to adhere to the Library’s posted Rules of Conduct.