Because demand by the persons wanting to use the limited number of public computers at the Main Library is high, and because the Library Board wants to insure that the library's youngest patrons have ample opportunity to use the computers in the Children's Department, some new rules for public computer use will take effect February 5, 2007.

These rules are linked to the school year calendar and were approved by the Library Board at its regular meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2007.

SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH MAY 31
Mondays through Fridays, 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Any patron may sign up to use any public computer in either the Reference Department or Children's Department. A child under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult or an older adolescent sibling, cousin or friend. The adult or older adolescent may sign up to use a computer at the same time the child signs up. If that person does not want to use a computer, he must stay with the under-8-year-old who is using the computer. Any adult or older adolescent who is using a computer is responsible for any child in his care, even if the child is not using a computer.

Mondays through Fridays, 3:00 p.m. until closing
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. until closing
Sundays 1:00 p.m. to closing:

Any patron in 7th grade, or older, must sign up to use a computer in the Reference Department.

Any patron in 6th grade or younger must sign up to use a computer in the Children's Department.

JUNE 1 THROUGH AUGUST 31
All Hours of Operation:

Any person in 7th grade or older must sign up to use a computer in the Reference Department.

Any patron in the 6th grade or younger must sign up to use a computer in the Children's Department.

When persons sign up to use a public computer, they must present a valid library card. Obtaining a library card is easy. Persons are asked to present one form of identification showing their current address. Children and adolescents under 18 must have a parent's signature to obtain a library card.

When signing up to use a public computer, all persons must give their first and last name.

Computer sessions are limited to one, 1-hour period per day.

Patrons may reserve a computer time slot no earlier than 24 hours in advance.

Persons who have reserved a computer have until 10 minutes past the hour to begin using it. After that time, the computer will be assigned to another library patron.