Young Reader Library Cards
As of March 3rd, the way library cards work at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library has changed. This is a result of changes in the requirements of the Alabama Public Library Service. Meeting these requirements allows the library to continue receiving annual state funding. Young Reader Library Cards now give a more limited access to the library, depending on if additional waivers are signed. These new Young Reader Library Cards have three access levels, depending on which waivers are or are not signed by a parent or guardian of the library card owner.
Access Levels:
A Level 1 card provides readers access to only the Juvenile section of the library. The materials in this section of the library are ensured to meet the criteria of being appropriate for and targeted towards the audience of children aged 12 and under, in order to align with the Alabama Public Library Service requirements. With this library card, children cannot check out materials in the YA or Adult sections of the library. They also have no digital access or laptop checkout.
A Level 2 card gives readers access to all of the materials available to readers with level 1 library cards, in addition to the materials in the YA section, which are targeted toward readers between 13 and 17 years old.
A level 3 Young Reader Card is essentially the same as an Adult Library Card. This card allows readers to check out any materials in the library, including sections with access available with level 1 and 2 cards, as well as materials in the Adult section of the library and any digital materials. The only apparent differences are that with this library card, readers still cannot check out laptops and a guarantor is required. A guarantor, who promises to cover debt if the borrower is unable to do so, is also required for level 1 and 2 Young Reader Cards.
Which Access Level:
The level of access available to young readers is entirely determined by their parent or guardian and the waiver they sign. In order to submit this Young Reader Card Waiver, the parent or guardian must do so online while logged into their HMCPL account.
