St. Louis Public Library offers, for use by library cardholders:

Database Access Internet Access Filtering Computer Training

• improve their computer skills
• access hardware and software currently used by area businesses
• access children's software

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Internet Access
*at all locations, with the exception of Charing Cross and Marketplace

BENEFITS OF INTERNET USE. On the Library Internet, you and your child can connect without charge to tens of thousands of information and learning sources that together make up what many call "The Information Highway." In using the Internet, for example, your child will have many more sources for schoolwork help than are available in print at even the largest library branch.

INTERNET CONTENT NOT CONTROLLED. The Internet, however is not regulated. Not all Internet sources are accurate, complete, or current. It is also possible for your child to use the Internet to find materials and pictures which you as a parent or guardian may find disturbing, too explicit, or otherwise inappropriate for your child's use.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY. As a matter of policy, the Library provides all its materials to every user. We expect you as a parent or guardian to take responsibility for deciding what library resources your child will use. As part of the Library's effort to support you in your parenting or guardian role, we give you the choice of deciding whether or not your child should use the Library Internet.

YOUR DECISION.

* Internet Privileges: To give permission to your child to use the Internet, sign the Parent Permission Form. Bring this form and your child's library card to any St. Louis Public Library location, and your child will be able to use the Library's Internet computers.

* No Internet Privileges: To deny permission to your child to use the Internet, do nothing. If the signed form is not returned, your child will be allowed to use only the electronic resources available on Library computers which do not have the Internet.

LIBRARY WORKS WITH YOU. By giving you the right to decide on how your child uses the Library's Internet computers, the Library continues its effort to be responsible and sensitive to St. Louis parents who hold many different points of view about what is appropriate for their children's homework and reading use.

St. Louis Public Library Public Internet Policy: Use of Internet services is a privilege and not a right. Read the rules and procedures of this policy that must be obeyed.

MY RULES FOR ONLINE SAFETY and CHILD SAFETY ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY: Parents of minor children are responsible for their children's use of the Internet through the library's connection. Reading-age children and their parents are encouraged to read this two-part brochure.

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Filtering

St. Louis Public Library filters Internet access to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA requires that public libraries receiving federal funding provide an electronic protection measure on all computers with Internet access. Customers 18 years or older may choose to have unfiltered access. Customers under the age of 18 must have filtered access – no exceptions.

St. Louis Public Library chose SurfControl, a commercial filtering product that best meets customer needs within the constraints of the law. At the Library, the SurfControl Web Filter is set to block certain categories of information. The SurfControl categories that the Library filters include: Adult/Sexually Explicit, Chat, Criminal Skills, Drugs & Alcohol, Hacking, Hate Speech, Violence, and Weapons.

Please remember that no Internet filter is 100% effective. Filtering software may allow objectionable information to be accessed. It is the responsibility of parents or legal guardians to monitor the Internet use of their minor children.

If you feel that a site has been improperly blocked, or that a site should be blocked, but isn’t, please visit the SurfControl website to make your suggestion for change.

All wireless access is filtered regardless of your date of birth. The Library is not able to offer a choice to adults on customer-owned equipment.

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Computer Training

Improve your computer skills with classes available for parents, teens, and children. Groups may schedule training in our computer labs. Teens in sixth grade and up can join the Library’s Club Tech.

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