Programs

Young Adult Collection Circulation Policy

Dear Parent,

The middle school collection is divided into two distinct areas: middle grade appropriate materials and Young Adult appropriate materials. The Young Adult categorization is given to materials best suited to ages 12 and up. In general, although not always, Young Adult literature tends to deal with teen specific topics and themes such as sexuality, abuse, drugs, violence, suicide, mental illness, racism and others. While difficult, these are issues that young adults are beginning to take an interest in and literature provides a safe place for them to explore these tough topics. 

We affix a YA (Young Adult) sticker on these materials and give them a separate section in the Middle School Library. This allows older MS and High School students to easily locate titles that speak directly to their interests and questions. The decision of putting such materials in the YA section is based both on professional review sources and the librarians’ professional judgment.

We understand that each family and each child is different and respect your child’s feelings in selecting materials for themselves and your opinions in guiding them through their selection process, based on as much information as you can gather. Our YA circulation policy is that no child under grade 7 can sign out Young Adult or HS materials without written consent from a parent/guardian. 

When a younger student wishes to check out a YA title, we will contact parents to discuss the content of each title and the child’s readiness to handle certain topics.

After the discussion, sometimes including a check-in with the House Advisor, parents can determine whether the child would be able to check out a specific title requested or have open access to the entire collection. 

We feel it is important for us to foster open and collaborative communication with families and we greatly appreciate your continued involvement in the reading life of your student. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We are always excited to help students find the "just right" books that will enrich their perspectives, help them grow both academically and emotionally, and continue to foster a love of reading. 

Happy Reading, 

Christine Payne
Director of Libraries
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