The Otsego County Library strives to create a warm, safe, and inviting environment for its young adult patrons. The Library offers programs and services that encourage teens to develop a love of the library, books, reading, and learning. To ensure that we meet all of these important goals, we have established the following policies:
Room use
The Teen Room has been set aside for use by teens in grades 7 through 12. During the summer months and from 3 pm until closing during the school year, persons not within this grade range must restrict activity to browsing YA library materials. Before 3 pm during the school year, adults who are assisting students with school-related or other enrichment activities may do so in the teen area. Library employees or volunteers entering in the course of their work are exempt from these restrictions.
Behavior
Appropriate activities for the Teen Room include: reading, studying, doing homework, working on school projects, polite socializing, using computers for appropriate recreation, research, and communication and gaming during designated times.
While some noise and conversations are to be expected, staff will notify teen users if it becomes too loud or annoys other patrons. Users are expected to comply with requests from Library staff to moderate their behavior and noise level. No sleeping, physical contact, rough housing, hitting, or public displays of affection are permitted and violation of the rules is grounds for being asked to leave the library.
Food and Drink
No food is allowed; drinks are permitted, but must be in covered containers (see Library’s Food and Drink Policy). Teens must properly dispose of all drink containers. Beverages may not be near the computers, TV or Wii equipment at any time. This is a courtesy and a privilege that can and will be suspended if the rules are not respected.
Library Cards
We encourage all teens to have their own library card. A parent or guardian for those under the age of 14 must complete and sign the application to be responsible for materials borrowed, fees assessed and fines accrued. Teens 14 and over must present valid ID and agree to accept these responsibilities.
Library Materials
The materials in this room are selected and intended for a teen audience. Library staff will not censor a teen’s choice of reading. Parents are responsible for deciding which items they feel are appropriate for their children.
Computer Usage
All regular Library computer policies apply to the computers in the Teen Room. These computers use PC Management software that require a library barcode or guest pass (obtained at the circulation desk by showing ID). Using another person’s library barcode or guest pass is misrepresentation of identify and violates that Library’s Conduct Policy; this could result in suspension of computer privileges.