Library User Policy

Our library service is committed to safeguarding children and adults who visit and use the library. All staff and volunteers within the library are aware of and agree to follow the ‘Cornwall Council Corporate Safeguarding policy’ in relation to safeguarding children, young people and adults February 2025.

In order to carry these safeguarding principles within the Library, the following Library User Policy has been created to ensure staff and user safety.

This policy relates to Library members. If you are not a library member it is free and easy to join. Please speak to staff at the desk or join online here.

At the point of joining, all parents/ guardians will be asked to read the BSTC Library User Policy displayed at the Library on behalf of their children.

Children under the age of 11 cannot join the library without parental consent being given.

Download the Cornwall Council Safeguarding Policy

Staff and volunteers at the Library

Anyone who works in the library will have submitted to, and received a clear DBS background check. These are renewed every 3 years.
Any volunteers who will be working with children will also have submitted to, and received a clear DBS background check.

Unsupervised visits

BSTC staff aim to make their Library safe and welcoming. However, as a public service, they can never fully guarantee child safety. Therefore, no child under the age of 11 can visit without parent/carer supervision.

Children supervising younger children

Children need to be at least 14-years-old in order to look after children ages 8 and over.
Children under 8 must be with a parent or responsible adult (aged 18 or over).

Attending events

Under-11s attending an event in the library will need to be accompanied by a parent/carer (unless otherwise stated).
Under-5s must never be left unsupervised at any time.
Publicity for an event will clearly state age suitability and supervision requirements. Please double check if booking an event what the supervision requirements are, and do not book your child to attend if you are unable to accompany them.
Any events booked by BSTC staff will have ensured that the provider of the event has appropriate background checks. If the event is organised by Cornwall Council, it is understood they will have carried out their own checks.

Using public computers

BSTC want all children to enjoy using the computer facilities safely.
Under-16s must bring a valid membership card each time they visit a library if they want to use a computer. No Library card means no computer access.
Under-11s may only use the internet under the adult supervision of a parent, responsible adult or guardian.
The ability to access websites is determined by Cornwall Council who are responsible for the age limitations on library software. BSTC staff cannot guarantee that children will be prevented from accessing inappropriate content.
Library staff cannot monitor internet use, unless there is serious cause for concern

Using public Wi-Fi

BSTC library service offers free Wi-Fi to anyone
Social media and email is accessible through our Wi-Fi; parents/guardians may wish to set up parental controls on their child’s device.
Cornwall Council operating restrictions aim to block material that is illegal or considered unsuitable to access in a public library.
BSTC library service is not responsible for children accessing inappropriate content whilst connected to the free Wi-Fi network with their own devices.

Photographs for BSTC

BSTC staff will, on occasion take photographs for social media to advertise or reflect on an event. They will seek verbal permission from parents before they do so. No photographs will be used for any purpose outside of official library use.