New Video Policy starting Feb. 15!
Starting Friday, Feb. 15, we will implement a new video policy to give families more freedom and flexibility. Here’s the gist…
- All patrons may check out library videos— DVD and VHS including movies and non-fiction titles.
- There will be a limit of 4 videos per library card.
- You must be 17 or older to check out red-labeled videos (marked R*).
- Video restrictions may be placed on a child’s card as requested by a parent or legal guardian. See staff for options.
- Videos are free for 7 days and $1 per day thereafter.
Read on for additional details…
Why the change? Every child is different and decisions on what children check out from the library belongs between the parent and child. We wanted to create a policy that gives parents this freedom to make these decisions with their children. Our old policy did not allow this and indeed created problems. For example, children could borrow some rated-G movies, but not others.
Tools for parents: We are also linking to tools to make your viewing more enjoyable. On the library kiosk computers you will now find links to video reviews and content information. You’ll also find these websites on our Sights and Sounds webpage.
For example, the Kids-in-Mind website rates movies on a 1-10 scale for sex-nudity, violence-gore and profanity. It then explains the ratings on a scene-by-scene basis. It also notes possible discussion topics with children.
Finally, parents will have the option of blocking movies or all video borrowing from their child’s card. Parents can request this form at our front desk.
Note on R-labeled videos: Videos labeled with a red-R stickers are restricted to patrons 17-years and older. However, not all of these videos are officially rated-R by the Motion Picture Association of America.
In addition to MPAA rated-R videos, we are also restricting television series with the MA (mature audience) ratings. These are most often award-winning series from HBO.
We also subscribe to the Film Movement series of award-winning foreign and independent films. Many of these films have not been rated in the United States, but have rated-R equivalent themes. As such these are red tagged in our collection. However, a number of the films are appropriate for high-school ages. See the Film Movement website for these titles.
Here’s the language of the actual policy…
Patrons with valid library cards may borrow videos.
Videos circulate for one week and are not renewable.
There is a checkout limit of 4 videos per card.
Patrons must be at least 17-years of age to check out videos labeled rated “R”.
It is the parents’ responsibility to supervise their child’s borrowing and use of all library materials. The Library staff cannot act in loco parentis (in place of a parent) when children select and borrow library materials.
Video restrictions may be placed on a child’s card as requested by a parent or legal guardian. See staff for options.”
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