Library Cards for Children and Teens

Waltham Public Library follows Mass General Law and the American Library Association’s policy on patron privacy and confidentiality, in order to encourage free and open access to information and ideas.

Please note that privacy rights are in effect when a library card is issued, regardless of age.

Personal information about the card holder cannot be shared unless the card holder is present, even for children under 18.

No one can get information about what’s on a library card that isn’t their own (parent included).

When getting a library card, that person takes sole responsibility for items checked out.

Privacy is a wonderful right. Every family should discuss the importance of the right to privacy at a library, and decide together what works for them. Every family is different. We are always happy to help you to find a balance that is right for your family.

Children

If applicant is under 12 years old, parent or legal guardian must provide proof of identification and address. A child must be present for a parent or legal guardian to get them a library card. (Minuteman Policy)

If there is no grown up present, or no grown up with an ID that reflects the child’s address, with the understanding that this is a rare occasion for young children (and by itself a policy violation in some cases), we will issue the library card, mail them a post card to bring back as proof of address, and expire the card in 1 month so they use the library temporarily and add a note that proof of address is needed to extend the expiration date.

Teens

If applicant cannot meet the ID and address requirements, parent or guardian must provide proof of identification and address. A teen must be present for a parent or legal guardian to get them a library card. (Minuteman Policy)

Teens (12 and up) without a guardian present should provide identification (class schedule from the school, school ID, report card, etc.). If they can’t provide that, we can send a post card and we will issue the library card, mail them a post card to bring back as proof of address, and expire the card in 1 month so they use the library temporarily and add a note that proof of address is needed to extend the expiration date.

Whenever possible, the Waltham Public Library will accept school agendas, report cards and student IDs (although most elementary kids will not have this) as proof of address.

 April 19, 2017 Revised

 

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