Policies

Library Behavior

The E.M. Gilliam Memorial Public Library is supported by the tax dollars of citizens of Wilmer, Texas, who have the right to a clean, pleasant, and safe place.  The library should be a place to engage in appropriate library activities: reading or studying, choosing books or other library materials to check out, using copy machines or the public Internet, attending library programs, or requesting assistance from library staff.  No library visitor should create problems for the other library users or himself.  Displays of unacceptable conduct will result in being asked to leave the library or revocation or suspension of library privileges.

Unacceptable Conduct Includes

• Disorderly conduct, talking loudly, or disruptive behavior, including running and fighting.
• Failure to supervise children in your charge.
• Harassment of any other library users or of library staff.
• Use of cell phones or other disruptive communications.
• Drinking or eating within the library.
• Violating the library’s Computer and Internet Access Policy.
• Leaving one or more children under the age of ten unattended on the library premises.

Children's Policies

The Wilmer Library welcomes children to use facilities and services. The responsibility for the behavior of children in the library, and the choice of materials checked out by children rests with the parent, guardian, or assigned chaperone NOT with library personnel. While in the library, children are expected to respect the rights of others by using the library in a responsible way. For safety reasons, children should not run in the library. Children are subject to the same rules of behavior as other patrons and consequences, including being asked to leave the library. If it is unsafe for a child to leave the building without an adult, he/she should NOT be at the library unattended.  If there are behavior problems, children will have to call their parents to get them. If a parent or guardian cannot be located, library staff may contact the Wilmer Police Station. 

The library does not have facilities or staffing to provide childcare, and childcare is NOT the library’s role. Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety, comfort, and behavior of their children while in the library. Please make sure you and your family abide by the following rules for age limits: 

• Children Under 10 Years: MUST have a parent or caregiver (14 years or older) within sight and close conversational distance of the child.  Parent or guardian must have current emergency contact information on file.  Patrons, age 8 or older, must have a working knowledge of computers. Children under the age of 8 MUST be accompanied by an adult, other than a library staff member, at all times.
• Children 10 - 14 Years: May use the library unattended. Child must be mature enough to follow library rules and observe proper conduct. 
• Children over the age of 14 Years: May use the library without direct adult supervision. Child must have current emergency information on file. Teenagers are treated as adult users. However, they are still the legal responsibility of their parent(s) and should have emergency contact on file.

Library staff will attempt to notify the guardian when:  

• Closing due to inclement weather, power outage, etc.
• The child’s behavior disturbs other users of the library.
• There is cause to believe that the child’s safety is in danger.