Children's Policy

General Use of the Library by Children

The library staff is not responsible for restricting children from access to library materials or services. 

  • A child aged 8 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent or caregiver (aged 16 or older).
  • Children aged 9-13, must have parents or caregiver (aged 16 or older) remain in the same section of the library as the child.
  • A child aged 14 and older may be in the library by themselves, with no parent or caregiver.

Attendance at Library Programs by Children

The library cannot accept responsibility for unattended children in the library.

  • A child aged 5 and under in a library-sponsored event must attend the event with a parent or caregiver (aged 16 or older). The child may not be left unattended at any time during the program.
  • Children aged 6-13 in a library-sponsored event may attend the event without the parent or caregiver (aged 16 or older), but the parent or caregiver must remain in the library building for the duration of the program.
  • A child aged 14 and older in a library-sponsored event may attend the event without a parent or caregiver, and the parent or caregiver does not have to remain in the building.

Use of Library Computers by Children

A child’s use of the Internet is solely the responsibility of the children’s parent or guardian.  To assist parents in their responsibility, and as required by law, the Internet is filtered. 

  • A child of any age may use the non-Internet computers in the children’s section of the library.
  • A child age 13 and under may not use the Internet computers in the children’s section of the library, unless accompanied by a parent or caregiver (aged 16 or older). 
  • A child aged 14 and older may use the Internet computers in the adult section of the library or in the children’s section.
  • Maximum number of people to a computer is 2.

Adopted by the Wissahickon Valley Public Library Board on December 14, 2017.