[Libs-Or] Identification requirement for immigrants

[Carol Dinges]

The latter issue has come up recently here, too - and will more as summer gets here.  Just yesterday I had a babysitter want to sign for a couple of elementary-age kids she takes care of.  Since we refer accounts to collections when lost books exceed $50, I'm very hesitant to issue a card to a child without the parent's signature - I want the parent to at least be aware that the child has a card and checks out books.  We issues cards to teens who have their own photo ID (including school ID cards) without parent signatures, but teens generally understand the concept and have the means to return their books on their own.

Carol Dinges
Lebanon Public Library

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Ted Smith
Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 9:32 AM
To: 'libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us' <libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: [Libs-Or] Identification requirement for immigrants

We've got a few issues that have recently surfaced:


1.       Our policy requires photo id and proof of residence when registering for a library card

2.       Some of our immigrant citizens are afraid to give us their personal information (ids, addresses, etc.) because of the current immigration climate.  As a result, we have some immigrant families who will not use the library and our services.

How are you all dealing with this?

Change the subject: What do you do with children who want a library card but don't have a parent with them to provide proof of address, id and sign as the responsible party?

We recognize that there are some children who can't bring a parent with them for a variety of reasons - parents are working 2-3 jobs to get by, parents are morons and too lazy to bring the kids.  We want kids to have access to reading and we want kids to be able to take material home.  What's working for you?


Ted Smith, Director
Newport Public Library
Newport, OR 97365
541.574.0600

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