(Approved 08/21/25)
The New City Library Teen Room is a dedicated place for teens (students in grades 6-12) that provides materials, space, and resources for recreational and educational activities including, but not limited to, homework, reading and literacy development, socializing, gaming, extracurricular activities, instructor- or librarian-led programming, special events, tutoring, self-expression and creativity, and community engagement.
The Teen Room is supervised by the Teen Services Librarian. Use is restricted to students in middle and high school. Adult use of the Teen Room is limited to brief, temporary access to retrieve materials (browsing and picking up books and other items is limited to 15 minutes), picking up and dropping off family members, and tutors actively working with teen students at appropriate study tables (limited to two hours daily). Children under the age of 11 may visit the Teen Room for brief periods of time when accompanied by an appropriate caregiver (over the age of 16 when the child is under the age of 9). Adults may use the Teen Room only when school is in session (9 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays during the school calendar year).
Teen Room policies protect the rights of teen and “tween” patrons to comfortably and confidently utilize the Teen Room without opportunity for inappropriate or restrictive adult interaction, promote equity and diversity, and enhance creativity, age-appropriate communication, skill-building, and personal development in a teen-friendly environment. Library staff may ask adults to leave the Teen Room and will take appropriate measures, including contacting local authorities, to provide a safe space for teenage patrons.
The Library is not responsible for the supervision of teens. Parents and guardians are encouraged to be aware of their child’s library use. All minors are expected to follow library policies independently.
All library patrons are welcome to use non-restricted areas of the Library; therefore, teens may use other places and materials outside of the Teen Room.