Pierce County Library System
Information & Imagination

About Us

Access

This policy affirms the Library’s commitment to free and equitable access to library resources, services and materials to all library customers.

Resources: For the purpose of this policy, the term “resources” encompasses resources, as well as services and materials. 

Pierce County Library System develops resources to meet the diverse information needs, interests and beliefs of the community. Resources that fulfill the needs and interests of Library customers at different stages in their personal development are an essential part of Library service. The needs and interests of each Library customer, and resources appropriate to meet those needs and interests, must be determined by each individual.

The Library is committed to providing Library customers with free and equitable access to the entire range of Library resources. With the exception of Internet use (see Public Internet Use Policy), the Library does not place restrictions on the use of library resources based on age.

The Library creates an environment that allows each individual or family to explore and make choices within their personal values and interests, and accomplish their individual goals.

Pierce County Library System offers a wide variety of resources for all ages and reading levels. The Library provides resources to assist parents in guiding their child’s use of the library. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), youth under age 17 are limited to filtered Internet access on Library computers and electronic devices.

The Library affirms the rights and responsibilities of parents or guardians to guide and direct the library use of their own minor child and determine which resources will best fulfill their needs. Pierce County Library System maintains that parents--and only parents--have the right and the responsibility to restrict the access of their children--and only their children--to library resources. Parents or legal guardians who do not want their children to have access to certain library services, materials or facilities, should so advise their children.

Library staff cannot assume the role of parents or the functions of parental authority in the private relationship between parent and child. The Library cannot determine which resources will best fulfill the needs and interests of any individual based on chronological age or level of education. 

Public Internet Use Policy

Selection of Library Materials Policy

Philosophy Policy

Board Policy 1.4 Adopted June 30, 1972; amended July 1, 1981, by the ALA Council. Adopted by the Pierce County Rural Library District Board of Trustees, August 15, 1984. Revised December 14, 1995. Revised and retitled: May 14, 2014.

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