Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the definition of young people, children and young adults will be used:
The term young people comprises both children and young adults.
The term children is understood to refer to children aged from birth to twelve years inclusive.
The term young adult… is understood to refer to young people aged from thirteen to eighteen years inclusive.
A child is unattended when out of sight of a parent or caregiver
The Sherburne Memorial Library is committed to serving the information and recreation needs of young people. The Library strives to provide a welcoming environment, and provides targeted resources and programs to meet the needs of young people.
Public libraries are agencies that provide the public (including young people) with access to information and recreational materials through a variety of services and resources. Libraries also support young people through the provisions of programs that foster and appreciation of literature and promote the development of information literacy skills.
The Sherburne Memorial Library’s services to young people include:
- Fiction and non-fiction (study and recreational books)
- Magazines
- DVDs
- Computers and Internet access
- Assistance from staff in accessing collections and information
- Internet training
- Programs
- Pre-school and Toddler story time
- Space for study.
Parental Responsibility Statement
Access to resources
The role of library staff is to guide and assist young people in finding and accessing any resources appropriate to particular interests and inquiries. Parents/caregivers are responsible for setting any boundaries or restrictions for their child.
Library collections are available to all library users without restriction. It is not the responsibility of the Sherburne Memorial Library or its staff to exercise a supervisory or restrictive role in determining which library resources young people may use or access. The Library encourages parents/caregivers to set their own family rules in consultation with their child. It is the responsibility of parents/caregivers to monitor young people’s selection and use of library resources.
The Library exercises no limitation on access. The Library has no censorship role in its choice of the library resources that form the collection.
Access to electronic resources
Library staff are available to assist clients in the use of the Internet, and to recommend websites on particular subjects. A number of appropriate websites have been selected for inclusion in the Library’s electronic collections and paper guides.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for their child’s use of the Internet, in line with the Library’s Computer and Internet Use Policy. The Library does not monitor or control the content of materials offered through the Internet.
Unattended Children
- Please see the Child Safety and Supervision Policy adopted July 2026
Adopted October 16, 2002
Revised and adopted: Nov. 19, 2003, February 16, 2005, October 10, 2007, February 12, 2013, September 13, 2016, August 16, 2022