Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Introduces New Policy to Safeguard Children Against Inappropriate Material

New Policy at Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Aims to Protect Kids

Huntsville, Alabama – There’s a buzz in the air at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library as library leaders unveil a new policy designed with one primary goal: to keep children safe from inappropriate material. The decision comes in light of a state-level mandate that requires public libraries across Alabama to restrict certain content for minors in order to continue receiving state funding.

What’s the New Policy?

Starting on March 3, 2025, the library will implement a tiered card system that places the power of choice directly in the hands of parents. “We want to empower parents to decide what their children should have access to,” shared Ryan Godfrey, Communications Director at the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS). Each minor will now require a signed waiver to obtain a library card, and their access to materials will be determined by the level granted.

The Tiered Access System

• Level 1: Kids will have access to the juvenile print collection only. A guarantor must be listed on the card, allowing parents to track what books their children check out. There will be no access to digital materials.
• Level 2: This tier will allow access to the young adult print collection, but still no digital access.
• Level 3: Children at this level can access all materials, including adult, young adult, and juvenile print collections, as well as digital resources like eBooks and audiobooks.

If the waiver isn’t signed, the minor’s card will automatically default to Level 1. The library emphasizes that the goal isn’t to isolate kids from the library but rather to assist parents in monitoring what their children borrow. Connie Chow, the Interim Director of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, expressed her optimism about the policy, saying, “This will hopefully encourage parents to be more engaged with the library resources their kids are accessing.”

Why This Change?

The APLS made it clear that every public library in Alabama must comply with this new policy to qualify for state aid. As part of these efforts, library leaders are determined to promote responsible usage and safeguard children against any material that parents may find unsuitable. Terri Love, a local mother and grandmother, voiced her approval of the new guidance, stating, “It’s definitely good that parents can have control over what their kids check out. It’s important for children to be protected from potentially harmful material.”

The library has also implemented a rule stating that all children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult while in the library. This initiative signals that the library is committed to working alongside families, emphasizing parental involvement while creating an environment conducive to learning.

Get Involved!

Community members who have questions or concerns about these new policy changes are encouraged to participate in the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library System board meetings, which are held every other month. The next meeting is scheduled for November 19 at the North Huntsville library at 4 p.m.. It’s a great opportunity for residents to voice their opinions and engage in meaningful discussions about their library and its policies.

As changes roll out in Huntsville, it seems the focus on protecting children while encouraging parental oversight is a step in the right direction. The library continues to be a cherished resource for families, making it a space for safe exploration and learning.