Service Alert
Rockingham County Public Library
Youth Services Overview
Policy # 9.0
Effective 10/01/18
Young people are encouraged to use their public library.
Each branch, plus the bookmobile, has a collection of books and materials suitable for children and teens.
All four (4) branches have space for programming.
There is a Youth Services Librarian for the system. Each branch has staff members that are capable of helping young people find the materials they need. There are several paraprofessionals who are trained to present a program to children, should the need arise.
Young people are allowed to have library cards with unlimited access. They are also allowed to use the public Internet computers, with their parent's permission.
Rockingham County Public Library staff will not determine what is acceptable when checking out items to minors. That is a parental issue!
Youth Services Policy
Policy # 9.1
Effective 10/01/18
The Collection Policy and Procedures apply to Youth Services. See Section Two (2) of the Rockingham County Public Library Policy Manual.
Library materials selection is vested in the Director of Rockingham County Public Library and, under the Director's direction; the Youth Services Librarian will have the responsibility to apply the policy to the collection. Selection of materials of all types is based upon the "Mission Statement of the Rockingham County Public Library". Other supporting documents that are important in the selection process are: "ALA Library Bill of Rights", "ALA Freedom to Read Statement" and "Free Access to Libraries for Minors".
For additional information see the following Policies and Procedures:
Youth Services Programs Policy
Policy # 9.2
Effective 10/01/18
Youth Services offers a variety of regularly scheduled and special programs for newborns through teenagers. A Summer Reading Program is available during the summer months. Age-appropriate contests are held periodically.
All programs support the library mission and promote library resources.
Caregivers of those 7 years old and under must stay with their child for the duration of the program. Caregivers of those between 8 and 12 years old must remain in the building for the duration of the program. Attendees of programs designated for teens must be at least 13 years old and cannot be older than 18 years.
Youth Services Programs Procedures
Policy # 9.2
Effective 10/01/18
All four branches of the Rockingham County Public Library provide programs that serve the needs of the population.
Programs for young children promote early literacy, library appreciation, and sensory skills.
Programs for school age children promote literacy, STEAM, and teamwork. Programs for teenagers promote STEAM, leadership, and community.
Age-appropriate contests, such as a photography or writing contest, are held as interest arises.
A summer reading program is held during the summer months that support the initiatives of the State Library of North Carolina. This is done through various library programs and patron reading records.
All programs are free to attend and welcoming of all backgrounds and abilities. Reading materials are made accessible to all program attendees. Depending on the program some material costs will need to be covered by the attendee. An example of this but not limited to would be the cost of a T-Shirt or some item that would become the property of the patron.
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.