Just for Parents

Library computers offer your child a wealth of resources and activities that will help with success in school. 
Computers provide: 

• Access to the Internet.
• Online databases - including magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, almanacs, scientific, geographic, etc.
• Word processing and other computer programs to prepare reports. 

We encourage you to guide your child’s Internet experiences in the same manner that you guide his/her television viewing and reading material. 

Please be aware: 

• Children may use computers in any section of the library.
• The Internet is not regulated in any way, and it may expose your child to inaccurate material as well as questionable content.
• Parents are responsible for monitoring their child’s use of library computers.

​Materials selected for Broward County Libraries are intended to meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of the entire community. Some materials may be controversial.

To ensure your child’s library visit is a pleasant one for both of you, please: 

• Be aware that your child will have access to all materials in the library (not just those in the children‘s section).
• Monitor your child’s use of the library and its resources.

Our libraries endorse the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Services, materials, and facilities are open to everyone.

Broward County Library endorses the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights. Services, materials, and facilities are open to everyone. Because libraries are open, public places, the well-being and safety of unattended children is a serious concern. Library staff cannot assume responsibility for supervising unattended children within the library or on library grounds. Parents or caregivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their children and for monitoring their use of library resources. 

If your child does not follow library rules , staff may not necessarily contact you to report this. Instead, the following may occur:  

1. The child may be asked to leave the library for the day,  
   or
2. Library privileges may be suspended completely for a period of time.

​Programs for children include activities that emphasize the fun and importance of reading. Many of the programs also promote literacy, school readiness, school achievement and success, and lifelong library use.  

Find out about the wide variety of programs offered by your local Library. Visit the branch's webpage and view the online Calendar of Events or give them a call.

Libraries design and schedule programs to specifically address the interest and needs of their immediate community. Therefore, the number, type and structure of library programs vary from library to library. 

Some programs require pre-registration or the presence of a caregiver. 

​Parents can help make a child’s library visit a safe and positive experience by observing the following guidelines:

1. Teach your child your home and work addresses and telephone numbers so you can be reached in case of an emergency. 
2. When possible, accompany and stay with your child at the library, or send the child with an adult caregiver who will do likewise.
3. Pick up your child before library closing time. Library staff are not permitted to stay with your child after closing. Local law enforcement may be called if this occurs, and this agency may in turn notify the Florida Department of Children and Families.

Note: If your child is injured at the library and you are not available, or reachable by phone, staff will contact emergency services. Their procedures may require them to contact the Florida Department of Children and Families.

These rules have been set so that all library customers, as well as staff, can have a safe, rewarding and productive library experience. 

Code of Conduct while visiting any Broward County Library:  

• Abusive, profane, loud, obscene and threatening language or acts directed at staff or other customers will result in immediate suspension or permanent ban from the library.
• Personal items must fit under chairs and cannot block aisles and walkways.
• Cell phones must be on vibrate and used only in designated areas.
• Defacing, cutting, destroying or stealing library property will result in a permanent ban.
• Damage to the restrooms will result in a permanent ban.
• No verbal or physical fights allowed.
• No eating or drinking (except where permitted), smoking, sleeping, or running allowed.
• Taking library materials into the restrooms is prohibited.
• Misuse of computers, furniture and equipment is prohibited.
• Use of bicycles, skates, skate-boards, or items of similar nature on library property is prohibited.
• No loitering or solicitation allowed.
• The use of multiple library cards to make computer reservations is prohibited.

Violation of our rules may result in a suspension or a permanent ban from the library. 

If you would like a copy of the complete Code of Conduct, please ask a library staff member for assistance.