General:

1. Children who are in the sixth grade or above may enter and use the Library without an adult. However:

2. They must remain in the children’s section.

3. They must be picked up by their parent/caregiver from inside the Library.

4. They will be obliged to follow the same rules and expectations as adult patrons.

5. Library staff may revoke this privilege for any child for any reason at their discretion.

6. Parents/caregivers are responsible for the safety and conduct of their child while on library premises, whether or not they accompany their child to the Library.

7. Children who are not yet in the sixth grade must not be left unattended by their parent/caregiver on library premises.

8. Parents/caregivers are solely responsible for the care and safety of their child and/or their vulnerable adult on library premises.

9. For Children’s Programs:

   1. Parents/caregivers must remain in the Library for the duration of a program unless it is specifically stated otherwise in the program registration.

   2. If a program is specified as a “Drop-Off” program, children 8 and older may attend without an adult at the discretion of the Children’s Librarian. However, their parent/caregiver must drop them off and pick them up from inside the Library at the designated program time.

   3. Library staff may revoke this privilege for any child for any reason at their discretion.

10. Adults are allowed in the children’s and teen areas when they are accompanying a minor or when they require access to the collection. If not accompanying a minor, an adult may be asked to leave the children’s section at the discretion of library staff.
11. Every resident of Oxford who is at least 5 years old is eligible for a free library card. A parent or legal guardian must be present and co-sign the registration form of a child under the age of 18 years. Please see the Circulation/Library Card Policy for more information about checking out and permissions allotted to certain ages.

 

Technology/Internet Use by Minors

1. Two computers in the children’s area do not have internet access and are used primarily for educational games.

2. Regarding internet use, children under the age of 18 unable to work independently must be accompanied by an individual who is able to work independently and can quietly assist them. It is the responsibility of each adult caregiver to monitor their child’s internet usage.

3. Children under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian written permission to use the internet or view materials on the internet. Children must check in with a staff member before using a computer. Parents/guardians of minors should be aware of the existence of material which they might consider inappropriate for their children and should educate their children to be responsible internet users.

4. The Library staff cannot determine what a parent/guardian will consider appropriate for his/her child. The Library strongly recommends that parents use the internet access services provided by the Library with their children and that the parents/guardians provide appropriate supervision.