Terms of Use & Library Policies

Effective Date: October 26, 2026
Last Updated: October 26, 2026

Library Name: Clayton Town & County Public Library
Website: staging.claytonaltownlibrary.com
Address: 45 North Midway Street, Clayton, AL 36016

Welcome to the Clayton Town & County Public Library (“the Library,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). The Library is open to everyone. These terms explain how to use our building, website, online community, and programs so that everyone has a safe and welcoming experience. By using the Library or this website, you agree to these terms.

1. Library Cards and Borrowing

  • Library cards are free. Please bring a photo ID and proof of your current address to sign up.
  • Children under 13 need a parent or guardian to sign their card application. The adult who signs is responsible for items borrowed on the child’s card.
  • You are responsible for everything checked out on your card. Please tell us right away if your card is lost or stolen.
  • Please return items on time and in good condition. Lost or damaged items may need to be paid for. Borrowing may be paused until fees are settled.

2. Using the Library Building

To keep the Library comfortable and safe for everyone, we ask all visitors to:

  • Treat other patrons, staff, and volunteers with courtesy and respect
  • Keep noise at a level that doesn’t disturb others, and use phones quietly
  • Take care of library materials, furniture, and equipment
  • Follow staff directions in an emergency

Harassment, threats, violence, theft, damage to property, or illegal activity are not allowed. Staff may ask anyone who does not follow these rules to leave.

3. Children at the Library

Children of all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians — not Library staff — are responsible for their children’s safety and behavior while at the Library.

  • Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older) at all times — including during scheduled activities and events.
  • Children under 13 may not be dropped off or left at the Library without a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older), except for activities or events the Library has clearly advertised as drop-off programs.
  • Children who are on their own must be picked up before the Library closes. If a child is left at closing time, staff will try to reach a parent or guardian and may contact local law enforcement for the child’s safety.
  • Choosing what a child reads, watches, or views is the responsibility of the child’s parent or guardian.

4. Programs, Events, and Kids’ Activities

  • Most Library programs are free and open to the public. Some have limited space and need advance sign-up.
  • A parent or guardian must register children for programs and give an emergency contact number.
  • Children under 13 may only be dropped off for programs the Library has clearly advertised as drop-off programs. For all other programs, a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older) must stay in the building.
  • Children under 8 must have a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older) with them at every program, including drop-off programs.
  • For hands-on activities (such as crafts, science, cooking, outdoor, or active play), parents and guardians should tell staff about any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs. Participation is voluntary, and the Library is not responsible for injuries that happen during normal program activities.
  • Children should follow the program leader’s directions. Staff may ask a parent to step in, or a child to take a break, if behavior is unsafe.
  • The Library may take photos at programs. See our Privacy Policy for how we protect children’s photos and how to opt out.
  • The Library may change or cancel a program because of weather, low sign-up, or other reasons. We will let registered families know as soon as we can.

5. Computers, Wi-Fi, and Internet

  • Public computers and Wi-Fi are free to use. Time limits may apply when others are waiting.
  • Our internet access is filtered as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. No filter is perfect, and parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children’s internet use.
  • Please do not use Library computers or Wi-Fi for illegal activity, to view obscene material, to harass others, or to damage equipment or networks.
  • Save your work to your own device or account. Files left on Library computers are deleted when the session ends.

6. Our Website and Online Community

  • You must be 13 or older to create your own account in our online community. Children under 13 may take part only through an account managed by a parent or guardian.
  • Keep your password private. You are responsible for activity on your account.
  • Be kind and respectful. Do not post anything hateful, threatening, harassing, obscene, illegal, or that shares someone else’s private information.
  • Do not post advertising or spam, or impersonate anyone.
  • By posting, you allow the Library to display your post in the community. You keep ownership of what you create.
  • The Library may remove posts or suspend accounts that break these rules.

7. Meeting Rooms and Displays

Use of meeting rooms, display cases, and bulletin boards is subject to availability and Library approval. Allowing a group or display does not mean the Library endorses its views.

8. Donations

We gratefully accept donations of books and materials in good condition. Donated items become Library property, and we may add them to the collection, sell them to support the Library, or pass them on.

9. Information Accuracy and Outside Links

We work to keep information on this website accurate, but program dates, hours, and details may change. Our website links to outside sites and resources that the Library does not control and is not responsible for.

10. Changes to These Terms

The Library may update these terms from time to time. The “Last Updated” date at the top shows when they last changed. Continuing to use the Library or this website means you accept the updated terms.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these terms, please contact us:

Clayton Town & County Public Library
45 North Midway Street, Clayton, AL 36016
Phone: (334) 775-3506
Email: info@staging.claytonaltownlibrary.com