New Hillsborough library card policy limits what books children can check out

Melissa Marino
·2 min read

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A new system is now in place at all Hillsborough County public libraries that impacts the kinds of books children and teens can check out.

The new policy leaves it up to parents to select their child’s library card based on their age.
Parents can also choose between different tiers within their child’s age group.

“Kids under 12, there’s three different tiers. If you’re between 13 and 16. there’s four tiers,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen.

The new cards restrict children from checking out adult content, unless parents choose the unlimited option.

“If the parents want to give them additional access to information, they can opt in,” said Commissioner Cohen.

Fern Rabil, who is a parent, feels there’s too much government overreach when it comes to what books children have access to, however, she said does not mind this new plan.

“I really don’t have a problem with parents being able to control what they’re reading, just like what they’re watching on tv and what movies they see,” Rabil said.

Cohen said it’s not about banning books, it’s about leaving it up to parents to decide.

“This was a common sense solution to a common sense problem. We’re not banning books. We’re not taking extreme measures to ban people from accessing things at the library,” said Cohen.

Child Library Cards (Ages 0 to 12)

Child Card

• This card can check out only children’s materials recommended for this age range.

Child Plus

• This card can check out children’s materials, General Non-Fiction, and Classics.

Child Unlimited

• This card can check out all library materials except for loanable technology.

Teen Library Cards (Ages 13 to 16)

Teen Card

• This card can check out children’s materials, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Graphic Novels, General Non-Fiction, and Classics.

Teen Limited

• This card can check out children’s materials, General Non-Fiction, and Classics.

Teen Plus

• This card can check out children’s materials, Young Adult Fiction, Young Adult Graphic Novels, General Non-Fiction, Classics, and R or non-rated DVDs without access to Adult Fiction.

Teen Unlimited

• This card can check out all library materials except for loanable technology.

Adult Library Card (Ages 17+)

Adult Card

• When your teen turns 17, their card will automatically update to an Adult Card with access to all library materials.

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