Public Internet Access by Minors Under 18 Years of Age:
Any card holder under the age of 18 must have a Robert J. Kleberg Public Library Card Application on file signed by parent, legal guardian or caretaker in order to access the Internet independently. By signing the library card application, parents, legal guardians or caretakers agree for the minor to obtain a library card allowing access to the Internet and other electronic services without adult supervision. It is the responsibility of the parent, legal guardian or caretaker to read and understand the [ Public Internet Access ] policy and [ Computer Lab Guidelines ] for computer use. There may be some material on the Internet that the user deems offensive or in some way objectionable. Although filtered Internet computers are provided, no filtering software can control access to all materials that an individual may deem inappropriate. Therefore, parents may wish to supervise their children's Internet sessions. Parents, legal guardians or caretakers must assume responsibility for deciding which library electronic resources are appropriate for their children. The parent, legal guardian or caretaker signing the library card application for their minor agrees NOT to hold the library responsible for any misuse of the Internet by the child.

The Robert J. Kleberg Public Library attempts to monitor all the terminals in the [ Children's Computer Lab ] but has no control over the information streaming through the Internet. The Library has taken filtering measures to assist in the safe and effective access of the Internet. Filtering software has been installed on the Children's Computer Lab terminals to block inappropriate sites, but parents should be aware that filtering software will limit certain material but will not eliminate all inappropriate content. Some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. It is the responsibility of parents, legal guardians or caretakers to guide and educate their children on the use of the Internet and inform them about websites they deem inappropriate. Attending staff will provide limited assistance in accessing appropriate Internet resources if needed, but will NOT do a student's school assignment, type reports, or search for report information. The creation of a prescreened list of websites by the Library was developed to provide patrons with useful and informative sites. The [ Ready Reference ] page has a separate children's section listing several websites of special interest to kids and teens.

Children's Computer Lab Terminals Usage:
1.   Children ages 5 through 17 must posses a valid library card in order to use the Children's Computer Lab terminals independently.
2.   Children under the age of 5 must be directly supervised by a parent, legal guardian and/or caretaker.
3.   [ Dollar Day Pass ] are available for purchase for Non-Registered children.
4.   Children are allowed 45-minutes of computer time and may have additional time if no one is waiting.
5.   The filtering system in the Children's Computer Lab will not be turned off for any reason other than homework.
6.   If a child needs the filter off for homework, a parent, legal guardian or caretaker must monitor their usage.
7.   Printing services from in-house terminals including [ Wi-Fi Web Printing ] is available for a nominal fee.  Copies will print either in black & white or color as displayed on the screen. Payment must be made at the Circulation Desk. All print jobs not released or paid for will be deleted at the end of the next business day.
8.   Computer Lab terminals are shut down promptly at fifteen (15) minutes before closing.
9.   Children who do not comply with the Robert J. Kleberg Public Library Internet Access Policy may have their computer privileges suspended.
10. Children under the age of 18 may NOT use the adult designated computers in the Children's Computer Lab.

Internet Safety Tips for Children and Teens:
1.   Personal Information. Don't give out personal information without your parents' permission. This means you should not share your last name, home address, school name, or telephone number. Remember, just because someone asks for information about you does not mean you have to tell them anything about yourself!
2.   Screen Name. When creating your screen name, do not include personal information like your last name or date of birth.
3.   Passwords. Don't share your password with anyone but your parents. When you use a public computer make sure you logout of the accounts you've accessed before leaving the terminal.
4.   Photos. Don't post photos or videos online without getting your parents' permission.
5.   Online Friends. Don't agree to meet an online friend unless you have your parents' permission. Unfortunately, sometimes people pretend to be people they aren't. Remember that not everything you read online is true.
6.   Online Ads. Don't buy anything online without talking to your parents first. Some ads may try to trick you by offering free things or telling you that you have won something as a way of collecting your personal information.
7.   Downloading. Talk to your parents before you open an email attachment or download software. Attachments sometimes contain viruses. Never open an attachment from someone you don't know.
8.   Bullying. Don't send or respond to mean or insulting messages. Tell your parents if you receive one. If something happens online that makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to your parents or to a teacher at school.
9.   Social Networking. Many social networking websites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) and blog hosting websites have minimum age requirements to signup. These requirements are there to protect you!
10. Research. Talk to your librarian, teacher or parent about safe and accurate websites for research. The public library offers lots of resources. If you use online information in a school project make sure you explain where you got the information.

The Library Board has established a policy for appropriate use of the Computer Lab Terminals by children. The Children's Internet Access Policy will be strictly enforced by the Children's Services Librarian.

For more Internet safety tips, please visit the following online website: [ Safe Kids: Internet Safety & Civility