Nyack Library

The mission of the Youth Services Department is to guide young people toward a love of reading and learning in a welcoming and safe environment. We provide access to materials, information, programs and cultural opportunities for both children and teens.

Patron Access and Supervision of Minors

The children’s room is intended for use by children from birth through age 11, their parents/caregivers, and others needing children’s materials or services for a specific purpose such as research and study. The teen room is intended for use by young people in 6th-12th grades. The teen room collection may be accessed by patrons of any age, however, only teens may sit and stay in that room. All other library users outside of these specific age groups are asked to use the adult areas of the library as appropriate.

For the safety and comfort of children, a responsible adult or responsible caregiver 14 years of age or older must accompany any child under age 10 when they are using the library. Children ages 10-12 are welcome to use the children’s room without a guardian provided they obey library rules and demonstrate respect for library staff, patrons and property. Teens in grades 6-12 may use the library independently without adult supervision.

Regardless of age, patrons who violate library policies may be asked to leave the premises and/or may have their library privileges suspended.

Parents and caregivers are responsible for their child’s safety, behavior and use of library resources while in the library, whether the parent/caregiver is present or not. The Youth Services staff in both the children’s and teen rooms will do their best to provide a safe environment, but the library assumes neither responsibility nor liability for the actions, behavior, care and/or supervision of minors, unless they are attending a staff-run library program.

Children under the age of 4 must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver at all library programs.

Children ages 4-9 attending a library program must be brought into the building by a parent or responsible caregiver who must remain in the building until the conclusion of the program when they resume supervision of their child.

When a child under the age of 10 is left at the library without adult supervision, library staff will attempt to contact the parent/guardian of the child. In the event that the parent/guardian cannot be reached, staff will contact the Orangetown Police Department. In the event of an emergency, staff will call 911. At least two staff members will remain after hours with an unattended minor until the parent/guardian or police arrive.

Technology

Nyack Library has technology available for use by children and teens for research and entertainment purposes. Library do not monitor individual internet use. A minor’s access to the internet is the responsibility of the parent/caregiver.

The children’s room has iPads available for checkout and use within the children’s room by an adult (age 18 and older) Nyack Library cardholder in good standing and the child/children accompanying them.

Children under the age of 5 who are using any library technology, must have a parent/caregiver seated with them to supervise its use. The parent/guardian will be held responsible for any damage that occurs while the child is not adequately supervised.

There is a one-hour time limit for technology use per child/teen per day, unless they are working on a school project, in which case time may be extended.

Teen Room Hours

The teen room is not staffed all the hours that the library is open. During those times when a staff member is not present, patrons may enter the room to browse the collection but may not linger in the room. The teen room is officially open and staffed:

Monday–Thursday: 2:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Friday: 2:30 pm – 5:45 pm
Saturday: 12:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Note: During the summer months the room will open at 11:00 am on weekdays instead of 2:30 pm.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 11/18/24