Statement on 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of minors

Effective August 1, 2023, all Missouri public libraries must comply with 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors to qualify for state aid funding. The rule was introduced by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, whose office oversees the Missouri State Library. Section C of the rule states: “The library has or will adopt a written, publicly accessible policy allowing a minor’s parent or guardian to determine what materials and access will be available to that minor, and no person employed by or acting on behalf of the library shall knowingly grant access to a minor to any material in any form not approved by that minor’s parent or guardian;” To maintain compliance, Washington Public Library has expired the library cards of all minors (anyone age 17 or lower) on July 31. This was done in coordination with Scenic Regional Library. To renew a minor’s library card, a parent (or legal guardian) must accompany their minor to Washington Public Library or any branch of Scenic Regional Library. The new consent language acknowledges that the parent (or legal guardian) understands that the library cannot control or monitor a minor’s access to the library’s collections, including the Internet. A parent (or legal guardian) who is uncomfortable being solely responsible for monitoring what their minor accesses at the library (including online) are advised to not renew their minor’s library card. We apologize for any inconvenience that this new state rule may create. Thank you,Nelson Appell, DirectorWashington Public Library

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The Book of Charlie – wisdom from the remarkable American life of a 109-year-old man

David Von Drehle will discuss and sign his book, “The Book of Charlie,” wisdom from the remarkable American life of a 109-year-old man. When a veteran Washington journalist moved to Kansas, he met a new neighbor who was more than a century old. Little did he know that he was beginning a long friendship—and a profound lesson in the meaning of life. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library and Neighborhood Reads. Adult

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Construction Update

The Library upstairs is open. The YA Section, study rooms, adult books, DVD’s, magazines and bathrooms are open. Please use the main entrance and the elevator. All Holds are located at the upstairs circulation desk. The children’s section, meeting room, and hallways are closed through the first week of May. You may place holds for materials. Staff can assist you when it is safe to do so. Thank you for your patience.

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Culinary Show – Vendors Wanted!

East Central College, Scenic Regional Library, and Washington Public Library invite you to join us for This Community Reads Culinary Show. The free, all-ages event will take place on Friday, April 14, at the West Elementary school in Washington from 5-8 PM. Showcase your culinary business or gadgets during this “all things food(ie)” evening. Sales are allowed, and samples are encouraged. No alcohol permitted. To sign up, fill out the Google form at bit.ly/CommunityReadCulinaryShow Questions? Contact Megan Maurer or Christy Schink at 636-583-0652.

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