Parent's Guide to Using the Library
This guide shares ways to find materials that fit your family’s interests and values—and tools to help you make confident choices.
Welcome
The Whitehall Community Library is a shared public space used by people of all ages. We welcome children and families, and we believe libraries work best when parents, caregivers, and library staff work together to create a safe, welcoming place for everyone.
The library is a place to play and learn! We encourage families to join us and spend time at the library and make use of our spaces and equipment. The children’s area has books, toys, and games that are suitable to for a range of ages from infants to upper elementary school. Because this area serves a wide range of ages it is not meant for infants to be left unaccompanied.
The library is a public space where all people in the community are welcome as long as they can follow our acceptable behavior policy. We encourage all people to review our Acceptable Behavior Policy.
- You're in charge
As a parent/caregiver, you should feel empowered to choose library materials that feel right for you and your family. It is your role to discuss with your child what is and is not appropriate for them to read, view, watch, and listen to.
As a public library, it’s our responsibility to include materials in our collection to meet the needs of all the people in our community. We try our hardest to have something for everyone. It’s important to remember that every family is different. What is right for some of our community members or families might not feel right for others.
Because we are all different, we encourage and empower you to decide what is right for you and your family.
Rights & Responsibilities
Parents & caregivers
- Supervising their children while in the library
- Ensuring children understand and follow the library’s behavior expectations
- Choosing materials that are appropriate for their child
- Helping children use library spaces and equipment safely
- Addressing behavior that interferes with others’ use of the library
Children under the age of 8 must be always accompanied by a responsible caregiver, as outlined in our Appropriate Library Behavior Policy
The library
The library provides:
- Free access to books, media, technology, and information
- Programs for children, teens, and families
- A public space for reading, learning, and connection
- Staff who are available to help with library services and questions
Library staff are not caregivers, babysitters, or supervisors. Our role is to provide access to resources and maintain a safe public environment — not to monitor individual children.
- uHow we can help
We can point you to resources and talk through your preferences so you can choose what works best for your family.
The difference between books for older kids and teens
Young Adult (YA) materials are generally intended for teens ages 13–18. That does not always mean the reading level is higher than books in the children’s area. Some junior fiction titles may have an equal or higher reading level than YA titles.
What typically changes is the content
- YA content is generally more mature than junior fiction intended for 11–12 year olds.
- Older teen books may include stronger language and/or sexual content.
- You’re less likely to find explicit language or sexual content in Junior Fiction.
Tools to help you find the right book
Children’s fiction recommendation resource with read-alikes, discussion guides, reading lists and more.
A database of books, movies, and more that includes age recommendations and details about content.
Tell us your family’s preferences and we can help identify items that match your needs, interests, and standards.
- NTip
Combine tools for confidence: preview a few pages, check a content summary, then ask us for recommendations in the same “vibe.”
How you can help manage your child’s account and material selections
You can see what they’re reading…
- If your child has their own library card, you can access their account online through the Library Catalog.
- Enter your child’s library barcode and the PIN you set when the account was created.
- View items currently checked out.
- Add your email to your child’s account to receive notifications.
- Link your child’s account to your own library card account.
If you’d like help setting this up, we can walk you through it at the desk or over the phone.
Please note: In accordance with Wisconsin law, custodial parents or guardians may access library records for children under age 16. At age 16 and older, a teen’s library account information is confidential.
Advice on choosing library materials
- Be involved in selecting materials their children borrow
- Talk with their children about what they read, watch, or use online
- Ask staff for help finding age-appropriate materials
Want help choosing materials?
Tell us what your family enjoys—and anything you’d rather avoid. We’ll suggest titles that match your preferences.