Policies of the St. Petersburg Library System

For the enjoyment and safety of all, the library has established rules of conduct. All users are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which ensures the safety of users and staff and protects the library’s resources and facilities from damage. Behavior which does not meet this expectation may result in loss of library privileges or expulsion.
Read our complete Code of Conduct policy.

We welcome all children to use the library, but the responsibility for them rests with the parent, guardian, or assigned chaperone – not with the library staff.

Children ages 12 or older may use the library independently (see the National Safe Kids Campaign for more information). A responsible person age 15 or older must accompany children under age 12. Children should know a phone number to reach a parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for the actions of their children, whether or not the parent or legal guardian is present in the library. Children violating the library patron code of conduct may be asked to leave the library for the day. Egregious misconduct may warrant library staff calling St. Pete Police for assistance. If a child is not able to consistently adhere to the library patron code of conduct they must be accompanied by an adult caregiver, parent or legal guardian.

Unattended persons under age 18 must be picked up by the library’s closing time. If a child is in the building 30 minutes prior to closing, staff will attempt to determine if arrangements have been made for the child to get home. If they have not, staff will assist the child in attempting to call the caregiver, parent or legal guardian. If transportation is not available within 15 minutes after closing, children on library property may be placed in the care of the St. Petersburg Police Department. Two members of library staff, including a supervisor, will remain inside the library with any children left unattended after hours until a caregiver, parent, legal guardian or the police arrive. Library administration may communicate with parents about their child’s ability to use the library independently if the child is not picked up by closing time. Under no circumstances will library staff take or transport a child away from the library building.

School-aged children are not permitted in the library during school hours unless accompanied by a caregiver, parent or legal guardian. Some special circumstances may be considered, such as students serving suspension and students pursuing alternative education opportunities. Unsupervised minors may be asked to provide documentation of their school status.

Our libraries offer an extensive and high quality collection of materials for reading, listening, and viewing. Items are available for check-out (with the exception of those marked REFERENCE and current magazines) to anyone with a valid library card. Loan periods vary according to the type of material. If you cannot find an item on our shelves, we will gladly make every effort to locate a copy for you through our reciprocal borrowing arrangements with area libraries. To read our complete Member Services Policy, click here.

Our libraries have computer workstations connected to the Internet for use by community users. You must have a valid Library card, Computer Use card, or Visitor card to use these computers. Please check at a library service desk to find out which card is right for you. All branches also provide wireless access for those users with laptops that are set up with wireless cards. Please click here for more information about our Wireless Access or ask at one of our customer service desks.
Read our complete Computer Access policy.

All libraries in the St. Petersburg Library System have meeting rooms available at no charge for non-profit organizations engaging in library related activities or in educational, cultural, intellectual, charitable, and/or community related activities. Library meeting rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis by filling out an Application for Use of Meeting Room Space. Be sure to fill out the application completely. Please call the library for specific information about the available facilities. Information about all of our libraries including address, phone number, and hours can be found here.
Meeting Room Policy
Click here for an Application for Use of Meeting Room Space.

To fill out an interlibrary loan form, click here.