Policies

Unattended Children Policy

This policy has been adopted to insure the safety and well-being of all children who use Boyden Library.

• It is the responsibility of the parents/caregivers to insure the safety of the child inside the library and on library property.
• The library assumes no responsibility for the whereabouts of an unattended child.
• Children ages 10 and older may use the library unattended.   However, parents/caregivers/guardians are responsible for the behavior and safety of the child.
• Children ages 0-9 must have a parent/caregiver/guardian present in the Children’s Room at all times.
• A parent/caregiver/guardian must be present for the duration of a program for children that have cognitive, physical, or emotional conditions that may render supervision.  
• During school hours, minors are not allowed in the library without being accompanied by their guardians.
• Teenagers are considered adult users. However, they are the legal responsibility of their parent/legal guardian and should have an emergency contact available.
  
  Approved: Boyden Library Board of Trustees - January 5, 2016

Library Cards

Adult

• Boyden Library will issue a SAILS Library Network card to any Massachusetts resident. There is no charge for the first card: replacement cards are available for a $1.00 fee.
• Written proof of residency is required.
• A valid card is required to borrow materials, access the Internet, and to reserve and check-out museum passes.

Children

• Children must be old enough to write their name (first name is okay) and must visit the library with a parent or legal guardian at the time of application.
• The child's parent or legal guardian must present verification of address and a photo ID at the time of application. If a driver's license does not show where the family currently lives, an offical piece of mail such as a utility bill, a lease, or a piece of mail from the child's school can be submitted.
• The child's application must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. This shows that the parent or legal guardian accepts responsibility for materials borrowed with the card.
• The cost to replace a lost library card is $1.00.
• Everyone must bring their library card when checking out materials from the library.