Teen Room Policy

The staff of the Teen Room at the Greenfield Public Library strives to create a safe, respectful, warm, inviting and fun environment for young adults.

The Teen Room represents the Library's effort to adhere to YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services Association) Guidelines pertaining to teen rooms, ensuring that students in grades 7 through 12 have a place that is safe, relaxing, and responsive to their library needs and interests. Quality library service to teens must be provided by staff who understand and respect their unique informational, educational and recreational needs. In accordance with the principles expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and Free Access to Libraries for Minors (Intellectual Freedom Manual, 7th edition, ALA, 2006), teenagers must have access on an equal basis with adults to all the services and materials the library provides. Cooperation among public, school and other libraries in the community is essential to serving teens.

For the protection and well-being of our teen patrons, the Trustees have implemented the following rules to help all enjoy their time at the library.

Library Cards:

• A child of any age may receive a library card, however, for children under the age of 13, a parent or guardian must be present to provide a signature and proof of address. Additionally, guardians may be asked to show guardianship papers.

General Use:

• The Teen Room is for use by young adults ages 13 to 20.
• The Teen Room is exclusively for teens. Adults and younger people may stop in briefly to browse for a book, however the hangout space and activities are for teens only with the exception of occasional special programming.
• If a Teen is looking after a child under the age of 13, they will be asked to move to the Children's room or to an all-ages area.
• Tutoring is welcome in the library in one of the study rooms. The Teen Room cannot accommodate tutoring sessions.

Patron Privacy:

• Patrons' privacy, including that of minors, prohibits library staff from providing information to patrons calling the library regarding the whereabouts of a young adult or passing messages to young adults.

Materials Selection:

• The library is not responsible for a teen's selections of library materials.

Behavior in the Teen Room and Library:

• Be respectful and kind to one another and of others' belongings.
• Keep your hands to yourself: no rough-housing, pushing, shoving or excessive public display of affection.
• Be kind: no profanity, disrespectful or unsafe language.
• Keep the volume down: talk at a conversational level, the same applies when playing audio or talking on your cell phone.
• Take pride in your space: clean up after yourself and others. Use furniture for its intended purpose ~ no sitting on tables or standing on chairs.
• Bikes and sports equipment: bikes can be locked up at the bike racks outside of the library. Skateboards and scooters (also, basketballs, softball bats, etc.) must be stored behind the librarian's desk in the Teen Room.
• Watch your belongings: please keep an eye on your bag, laptop, cell phone and do not leave them unattended.
• Keep things age appropriate: Digital content must be rated PG-13 or under. Video games must be rated T and under.
• Failure to follow these rules may result in loss of access to the Teen Room.
• Teens may be asked by the staff in charge to leave the library as a result of unacceptable behavior. If this occurs twice, the teen and their caregiver will need to make an appointment with the Director before being allowed to come back to the teen room.

Library Programs:

• Adults without an accompanying child cannot attend Teen Programming, with the exception of events marked "All Ages".

Computer/Technology use:

• Digital content must be rated PG-13 or under. Video games must be rated T and under.
• Serious or repeated failure to comply with policies, procedures and staff direction will result in loss of privileges to use library computers.

Food:

• Unless offered as part of a library program, food is not permitted in the Teen Room. Securely covered drinks are permitted.

Unexpected Closings (emergencies or inclement weather):

• When the library needs to close unexpectedly due to an emergency or inclement weather, the Teen Room will close and teens will need to exit the library building.
• If the public schools close early due to inclement weather, or if such a closing seems likely, Teens should not visit the library, as the library may also need to close early.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees 10/8/2024.
To be reviewed yearly, or as needed.