The Independence County Library (ICL) offers a teens-only department available for the purpose of carrying out the library's mission:

The mission of The Independence County Library is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.

Policies and procedures governing the use of the space are needed to make the space available in a manner which is equitable and does not interfere with the fulfillment of the library's mission.

The Teen Department at ICL was created as a space for teens aged 13 through 18. All areas of the department are reserved for teens. The most important rule in the Teen Department is to respect each other, library staff, and other patrons. All library policies and user agreements are in effect in the Teen Department.

Consequence for behavior which interferes with other patrons' library usage include:

• The teen will be given a warning by a staff member to stop.
• If the teen continues to behave inappropriately, the teen may be asked to leave the building for the day. Library staff will contact the teen's parent or guardian or police if necessary.
• As an alternative to excluding a teen from the library, the librarian or librarian's designee may restrict the independent use of the library such that the teen may only use the library when accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian. Written notice of the restriction shall be given to the teen's parent or guardian either by personal delivery or certified mail, return receipt requested.

In order to use the Xbox, a teen must have a valid, fine-free library card, or a library guest card.

Approved by the Independence County Library Board April 16, 2018.

Revised November 15, 2022