Huntsville Library Introduces Safeguarding Policy for Young Readers

Huntsville Library Implements New Policy to Protect Young Readers

Huntsville, Alabama – Exciting changes are coming to the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, and it’s all about keeping our kids safe! In response to a new statewide initiative, library leaders are rolling out a policy designed to help parents decide what their children can access. This is part of a broader effort by Alabama’s public libraries to filter out sexually explicit, obscene, or inappropriate material for minors.

Backstory on the New Changes

Starting in March 2025, parents will need to sign waivers for their children to obtain a library card. This initiative follows the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) requirement that all public libraries in the state take steps to safeguard minors from materials they may find harmful. In July, APLS crafted a new material selection policy that clearly places the responsibility in the hands of parents. According to APLS Communications Director Ryan Godfrey, “We’re working really hard for these libraries to make sure they meet these new admin requests so they receive their state aid.”

What to Expect with the New Library Cards

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is embracing a three-tiered system for library cards that determines what content kids have access to:

• Level 1: A basic access tier allowing children to borrow from the juvenile print collection. An adult guarantor needs to be on the card, meaning they’ll know what their child checks out.
• Level 2: This tier provides access to the young adult print collection, but still, no digital materials are allowed.
• Level 3: Children can enjoy the full suite, including adult, young adult, and juvenile print collections and access to digital resources like eBooks and audiobooks.

If a parent does not sign the waiver, their child’s library card will automatically default to Level 1. The good news is that levels can be changed as needed!

Library Leaders’ Perspective

Interim Director Connie Chow shared her thoughts on the new policy, saying, “I think it will help promote where parents are more attentive to looking at the collection that their kids have access to and just making good decisions on that.” It’s clear the library aims to support families rather than replace parental involvement, as all children under ten must be accompanied by an adult during their library visits.

Community Reactions

Local mom and grandmother, Terri Love, weighed in on the policy change, expressing her support, “I think it’s good that parents can have control over what their kids can check out. I don’t think kids should have access to everything in a library, so it could potentially be a good thing.” Her words reflect what many parents might feel: a sense of relief and empowerment in managing their children’s reading material.

Stay Informed!

For those who have questions or concerns about the upcoming changes, the library encourages community involvement. Board meetings are held every other month on the third Tuesday, with the next meeting set for November 19 at the North Huntsville Library at 4 p.m. This meeting will be a great place for concerned citizens or parents to voice their opinions and learn more about these policies.

As the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library takes these important steps to safeguard children, the community is eager to see how this new system unfolds. After all, keeping our kids safe while nurturing their love for reading is a task worth undertaking!

Stay tuned for more on these changes by following local updates and being an active participant in your community’s library system.