Have you heard the news that you need to update your child's library card by June 1st?

Act 436, a state law adopted by the Louisiana Legislature in 2023 and signed by the governor goes into effect June 1 requiring public libraries across the state to enact a card policy allowing parents to restrict what their children are allowed to borrow from public libraries.

If you're just now hearing about this, don't panic! I'll be honest, I've known about this for over a month and have still only updated half of my children's cards. The move comes in response to legislative changes that give parents more oversight and decision-making regarding what materials their children can access from the library. We'll get into all the different levels in just a second, but first the good news.

If you want things to stay exactly how they are with your child's card, all you need to do is fill out this parental consent form and your child can keep on using their card like ever before. Phew!

But maybe you're curious about the other types of cards being offered. We've got you covered there too.

Current, Standard Card—For existing patrons, this card retains the same check out policies as prior to 2024.   The Standard Card may be used to check-out print, AV, and other physical items, log in to use Library computers, and access databases within the appropriate collection, based on the age of the card holder:

Juvenile   (age 0-11)	Juvenile Collection
Tween     (age 12-14)	Juvenile Collection	Teen Collection
Teen        (age 15-17)	Juvenile Collection	Teen Collection	Adult Collection (except for R-Rated Movies)

Computer Use Only Card — may be used to access Library computers and database collections, either on-site or remotely, within the appropriate collection—Juvenile, Tween, Teen, or Adult — based on the age of the patron.No loans of print, AV, or other physical items are allowed on a Computer Use Only Card.

Restricted Card AKA "Bookshelf" Card- may be used to check out print, AV, and other physical items within the appropriate collection—Juvenile, Tween, or Teen—based on the age of the patron. No Computer Use, Internet or Database Access is possible with a Bookshelf Card.

Unrestricted Card AKA "Explore" Card-may be used to check out print, AV, and other physical items within all collections, including Adult. Exception: R-rated movies are only allowed on Adult cards.

If you'd like to switch your child's card to any of the non-standard cards, you'll just need to come in person to an EBRPL branch with your child to fill out the new application. That's it!

Happy Reading!