POLICIES

The Ayer Library strives to provide a welcoming and safe environment conducive to the use of library resources, and is intended for the use of all members of the public. Sharing this environment with others requires visitors of all ages to adhere to the Patron Conduct Policy and other policies adopted by the Ayer Library Board of Trustees. This Safe Youth Policy expands on specific matters pertaining to use of the Library by minors under the age of 18.

Safety & Behavior

While librarians work to create the safest environment possible in the Library, caregivers—not Library staff—are responsible for the behavior and safety of children visiting the Library. Children and adults must behave in accordance with the Patron Conduct Policy; failure to do so may result in loss of library privileges. The Library is not responsible for any consequences of caregivers forfeiting their responsibilities.

Equal Access

The Ayer Library adheres to professional standards of library access described by the American Library Association through its Library Bill of Rights and associated interpretations, along with its Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements, all of which have been adopted by the Trustees of the Ayer Library. In accordance, the Ayer Library will not deny or abridge any person’s right to use the Library because of their age.

Library Cards

CW MARS requires all people to supply ID and proof of address regardless of age. CW MARS policy states “positive identification for children can be provided by a parent or guardian, a YMCA ID, a bus pass, or other local forms of positive ID.” The Ayer Library will issue a card to any child who meets these requirements. Allowing patrons to identify their children does not mean children require parental permission to get their own library card. 

Minors Using Library Materials

Minors enjoy First Amendment rights to receive information through the Library. Library staff will not restrict children from borrowing materials of any kind. When caregivers choose to guide their children’s use of library resources, it is their responsibility to do so—not the responsibility of Library staff. Standards applied by a child’s parents for that child shall not be imposed on anyone else’s child.

Youth Spaces in the Ayer Library

The Children’s Room is designed for the use of children from infancy through Grade 5, along with their caregivers. The Teen Room is designed primarily for youth in Grades 6-12 during all library hours. The availability of youth spaces does not mean youth are restricted to using spaces designed for them.

Unattended Adults

Adults without a child present who are not actively using or searching the youth collections or seeking help from staff are not allowed in the Children's or Teen Room, regardless of whether or not a minor is present in the space. Children’s programs and events are an extension of the Children’s Room—adults without a child are not allowed to attend Children’s events.

Unattended Children

The presence of unattended children in the Library is a safety issue, and Library staff cannot be placed in the position of supervising them. All children under 11 years of age must be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible caregiver who is at least 16 years old, remains nearby, and is able and willing to provide adequate care. If the caregiver of a child who is under 11 years of age cannot be located in the building, the Ayer Police Department will be called to take the child. Children ages 9 and up who have been registered by a responsible caregiver to attend a registration-required Library program may be left unattended for the duration of the program with the consent of Library staff. Children over 11 using the Library independently do not need caregiver permission to use the Library or attend Library programs. All independent children should know how to reach a caregiver, and both child and caregiver should be aware of the closing time of the Library and have plans for when the Library is closed. The Library is not responsible for children who have not been picked up at closing time, and staff are not permitted to provide children with transportation.

Privacy of Youth

Library staff will not make public information about minors’ use of the library. Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 78, Section 7, the Ayer Library shall not disclose any record or information that identifies a user of library services as requesting or obtaining specific materials or services or as otherwise using the Library, except 1) if necessary for the reasonable operation of the Library as determined by the Library Director, 2) on the written consent of the library user, 3) on receipt of a court order, or 4) if required by law. For example, staff will not share information with caregivers about what materials their children have checked out, and they will not indicate the presence of specific children to caregivers over the phone.

Approved by the Ayer Library Board of Trustees on November 9, 2023