Library Policies

Okaloosa library card holders may log on to our public internet computers using the barcode number on their library card. Visitors may receive a guest pass by showing photo ID at the Circulation Desk.

Computers for public use are connected to a high-speed fiber network and have standard Microsoft Office software installed. Customers may use personal USB drives and CDs in the computers.

Free WiFi is available during normal business hours.

The Niceville Library offers:

• 24 Public Use Computers
• 8 Teen Space Computers
• 4 Youth Area Computers
• 4 AWE Early Literacy Computers
• B/W Printing:  10¢ per page (Wireless printing also available)
• Color Printing:  25¢ per page

Computer & Internet Policy

Each individual is responsible for his or her appropriate use of the Internet in a public place. Parents or guardians have the responsibility to guide and oversee their children’s computer use and Internet access. Express parental permission may be required for users ages 16 and under. Libraries may additionally require direct supervision of young children.

In order to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all users, customer responsibilities are: 

• Refrain from viewing pornographic content
• Comply with copyright law and adhere to software licensing agreements
• Refrain from streaming or downloading copyrighted materials
• Comply with all local, state, and federal laws including, but not limited to, those concerning fraud, privacy, or obscenity
• Observe the established computer time limits
• Respect the security of the network
• Respect privacy of other customers
• Failure to comply may result in loss of computer access or library privileges in addition to any appropriate legal action, including criminal prosecution

All children are welcome and encouraged to use our library. However, please remember that parents and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children in order to provide a quiet and safe environment for all users.

Be aware that, although the City and the library staff work very hard to keep the library a safe place for all, the library is a public building and is open to everyone. Therefore, your personal supervision is your child's best safeguard.

• Young children must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of Youth Services and in visual contact with the child.
• Any child under age 11 may not be left unattended in the Youth Services area. All children ages 11 & up that are unattended/unsupervised by a parent or other adult must be able to function independently.
• For safety reasons, jumping from or standing on the furniture is not allowed.
• Children are expected to walk and talk quietly while in the library. If your child is disturbing others, please be considerate and remove him/her from the area, especially during library programs.

Computer Use

• Library cards provide access to our internet computers. If you wish to restrict your child's access, please notify staff at the Circulation Desk.
• Children using the juvenile computers must sign in.
• There is a 30-minute time limit when someone is waiting.
• Children under the age of 3 must use a computer with an adult.
• Anyone visiting objectionable and/or offensive websites will be asked to leave and will be suspended from computer use.

Class or Group Visits
Any group visit shall be scheduled during the operating hours of the library and must be scheduled in advance. Visits may include library tours, use of reference materials and computers, and/or story times. Supervising adults must accompany the group.

All teens are required to have an active library card and an emergency contact form on file.

AGE RESTRICTIONS:

• The Teen Space is reserved for students age 13 - 17. No exceptions.
• Adults may enter briefly to locate a book for checkout or to pick up their child, but may not stay in the Teen Space.

FOOD AND DRINK:

• Absolutely no food or drinks allowed at the computers.
• Snacks and water only allowed at the tables.  Sodas and colored drinks of any kind are not allowed.
• Teens are expected to clean up after themselves.

BEHAVIOR:

• Teens are expected to show respect for all library staff, library property, and all visitors to the facility.
• Teens are given the privilege of talking in conversational voices and sharing music as long as it does not disturb others.
• The teen logged on to a computer in the Teen Space must be the one using the computer.
• Two teens may work together on a project at a computer, but large groups around one computer are not allowed.  
• The following behaviors will not be tolerated:
  • Offensive, foul or abusive language
  • Verbal or physical disrespect for other teens or anyone in the library
  • Horseplay of any kind
  • Personal displays of affection (inappropriate for a public space)
  • Any behavior that could damage library property or interfere with the safety of others

Failure to follow the above teen space policies can result in being trespassed from the library and the city complex by the Niceville Police department.

OUTSIDE/CITY COMPLEX:

• Students/Teens may not congregate outside the front doors of the Library.  Any kind of shouting or horseplay near the front doors or inside the lobby is not acceptable.
• Bikes, skateboards, or scooters may not be ridden inside the city complex.
• Students/Teens are expected to walk while inside the complex. No running or horseplay is allowed.

Collection Development Policy Coming Soon