This tip sheet has been developed to assist libraries with the Minimum Standards for Rhode Island Public Libraries.

Standard 4: The library makes all of its holdings known to library users statewide and extends its borrowing privileges without charge to all Rhode Islanders, regardless of age.

Service to children has evolved in many ways over the last fifty years. As research and experience have shown us that children begin learning from birth, that early language development is a key to later literacy, and that public libraries can play an essential role in supporting families and childcare providers in early learning, librarians have responded by expanding collections of books for the very young, adding toddler times and lapsits, and conducting training and modeling programs for parents and caregivers.

Policies governing the use of the library need to reflect the current relationship with the families we serve. Enthusiastic parents who have been told that it is never too early to start reading to your child and eager preschool children who want a library card just like their older brothers and sisters should be met with a positive response. The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights offers clear guidance: “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”

That principle is incorporated in Standard 4. The intent of the Standards Committee was that any resident of the state could get a library card and do so without a fee. Originally the phrase “regardless of age” was not included because the committee felt it was redundant following “all Rhode Islanders.” Since historically, some libraries have limited the age at which a child could get a card, the phrase was added to emphasize the inclusion of children from birth. When a family is ready for their child to get a library card, the library should support that choice as one that strengthens the relationship between the library and the community it serves. An eager reader and library user is being created.

Below are some concerns (C) voiced about this standard during forums with library directors and staff along with interpretations (I) supporting the inclusion of Standard 4:

(C) A child should be old enough to understand the responsibility of taking good care of library materials and returning materials on time.
(I) A child can begin learning the system of checking books out and returning them whenever s/he gets a card. In the end, the parents/legal guardians are responsible for replacement charges and fines for their minor children. A two year old may cry when parted from a book regardless of whose card was used to check it out. Libraries are not required by the standard to initiate giving cards to preschool children, only to respond positively when cards are requested by the parent/legal guardian or by the child with approval from the parent/legal guardian.

(C) Waiting until age 5/age 6/kindergarten/grade 1/able to write name makes getting a library card a rite of passage.
(I) A family can choose when a child can get a card. If they want it to be a rite of passage at one of these markers and/or a reward for successfully writing his/her name, then they can choose to wait.

(C) We hold a library card registration drive for kids in kindergarten/first grade.
(I) Congratulate the kids who already have a card, and sign up those who don’t. The librarian or teacher can still say that everyone in the class/school/town begins school with a card.

(C) Parents with overdue charges or lost books on their own cards will take out a child’s card to be able to continue borrowing materials and avoid paying the fines/charges.
(I) There will always be some patrons who abuse the privileges offered by a public library. Staff can deal with these cases individually. Responding to this kind of situation with a rule that impacts broad classes of library customers is an inappropriate restriction on their free access to the library.

Suggestions

If you would like a child to sign his/her name when possible, consider adapting the registration form to provide a much larger space for the child to use.

It is helpful to provide information on how to get a library card on the library’s website.

Sample policies

Cranston Public Library – “Borrower information - Library cards are free for people of all ages who are residents of communities that are members of the Ocean State Libraries – OSL.”

Westport (CT) Public Library – “Library cards for children – A child may have a library card at any age with a parent’s permission. Your child may borrow from the entire collection of the library. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s reading and borrowing. If your children are under six years of age, we ask that you remain with them at all times while they are in the library.”

Wayland (MA) Public Library – “A Minuteman Library Network library card is available to anyone of any age at the Wayland Public Library. Children thirteen and under will need the signature of a parent or legal guardian. Adults are asked to bring name and address verification when applying.”

Barrington Public Library – “How do I get a library card? - Barrington Public Library belongs to the statewide Cooperating Libraries Automated Network (CLAN). A CLAN library card can be used in over 50 libraries throughout the state of Rhode Island. The card is free of charge to Rhode Island residents …. Non-residents who own property in Barrington or who are Town of Barrington Employees can apply for a free limited use card. Students of Zion Bible Institute and St Andrew's School who board at the school are also eligible for free cards (valid during the school year only)…. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when applying for a library card.”

Derry (NH) Public Library – “How do I get a library card for my child – Parents can get a library card for their child(ren) from birth up to grade 6 at their discretion. Students 7th grade and up can get a library card with a school ID and proof of residence in Derry.”