Page 10 - Baltimore County Library - 2018 Welcome Guide

Just for Kids
Can I get a library card for my child?
AGES UNDER 14
A parent/legal guardian, 18 years or older, must apply for a library card for a child under 14 years old. The child must be present at time of application and the parent/guardian must show
a current photo ID. The parent/guardian must sign the card before it may be for materials borrowed/charges incurred.
NON-CUSTODIAL GUARDIAN ACCOMPANYING THE CHILD
(including grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, foster parents) must be 18 years or older, show a current photo ID, live at the same address as the child and sign the child’s card.
CHECKING OUT DVDS AND VIDEO GAMES
requires parent or guardian permission and a signature at the time of registration in order for children to
use their library cards to check out DVDs and video games not rated
for children. If the parent/guardian does not authorize permission, only DVDs and video games for children may be borrowed.
TEENS
Library card application requires
a current photo ID, for example a current Maryland driver’s license, learner’s permit, provisional license or school-issued ID. If you do not have a current photo ID, then a parent/ guardian, 18 years or older, must be present to show a current photo ID and sign the library card.
CHECKING OUT DVDS AND VIDEO GAMES, see above, Ages Under 14.
TEENS
There are many programs just for teens — from maker programs to video gaming to graphic novel clubs to anime and manga nights. We also offer programs designed just for teens with special needs.
HOMEWORK HELP We offer expert help. Chat live with a librarian any time of the day or night with AskUsNow! Brainfuse, a live, chat-based tutor, is available for math, writing and reading seven days a week. Our extensive list of databases also provides valuable resources for research. It’s all free with your library card!
VIDEO GAMES A large selection of PlayStation, Wii and Xbox video games are available to check out as well as gaming systems in several branches to enjoy while you are visiting.
STUDY ROOMS AND QUIET AREAS Looking for a quiet place to write a paper or meet with a tutor? The library has quiet areas and study rooms at most branches. Enclosed study rooms are currently available to individuals and small groups at the Arbutus, Cockeysville, Essex, Hereford, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, Randallstown, Rosedale, Towson and Woodlawn branches at no charge. Customers must sign day (when available and at the discretion of the branch). Customers may sign up for a study room in one-hour time blocks, with the option to add additional hours, one hour at a time, unless others are waiting to use the room. Quiet areas, where available, are open to any customer with no sign-up required.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING Several of our branches provide space for hanging out after school during the school year. Watch movies, play video games, make a craft, enjoy a snack and have fun!
BRAINFUSE Experts help with homework and writing assignments. Live chat- based tutoring in math, writing and reading is available from 2 p.m. until midnight seven days a week, from our website.
DATABASES A collection of research databases is available to aid in learning and research, including SAT practice tests, science fair preparation, biography research, World Books for Kids and much more. Available from our website.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES We encourage teens to connect with and give back to the community through a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year — from Summer Reading to Reading Buddies to helping start a community garden.
ALL AGES
BC READS is a county-wide reading event in Baltimore County connecting people of all ages in reading, discussing and experiencing books and community in new ways.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE offers summer learning opportunities for all age groups (preschool, elementary, teen and adult).
Reading challenges, crafts, programs and prizes are featured throughout the summer to keep learning going and to prevent the “summer slide.”
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