Note to Parents

Dear Parents/Guardians:

At any of our libraries or on the Bookmobile, you can be assured that your children and teenagers will receive the same high quality, courteous service we extend to all library users.  It is our philosophy that everyone is entitled to free, open and equal access to our extensive collection of materials and services, including books, magazines, music and movies in a variety of digital and physical formats. In addition, Internet, reference, reader’s advisory and interlibrary loan services as well as online resources are available to all our library users.  We’re very proud of the service we provide our communities.

As parents, you recognize the importance of taking an active role in shaping your children and helping them make the most enjoyable, valuable use of the time they spend at the library.  Here are some considerations as your child embarks on a lifelong journey of library use:

• Talk with your child about the kinds of materials you think are suitable for him or her to borrow. In order to meet the needs of a diverse population, the public library contains a variety of books and information in other formats.  The content of some of these resources may offend you, and while library employees are eager to offer suggestions, only you and your child can decide what is appropriate for your checkout and viewing.  It is our policy that you, as the parent or guardian, are ultimately responsible for the resources your children borrow, view or use in the library.  If you want more information on library policies regarding material selection and minors’ access to libraries, please contact us.
• We respect the privacy of all library users. Only the library card holder may receive information about materials checked out on his or her card; however, parents and guardians will, upon request, be told the titles and authors of materials which are checked out on their child’s card.
• It may not be wise for children to spend long periods of time at the library unattended. Because the library is a public place, parents are encouraged to stay with their children, or at least monitor their time in the library.  Library staff can’t be responsible for supervising patrons.
• Cherish and nurture your child’s love of reading. We want you and your child to use the library often.  NCPL libraries offer a wide variety of programs for children.  Please contact us for more information.

We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship with your family.

Sincerely,

Lisa Scroggins
Executive Director