Citrus County libraries to offer opt‑in restricted access children’s card that limits materials and public‑computer access

Library Director Chang presented a new opt‑in restricted‑access library card designed for families who want more limited checkout privileges for children.

Chang said the card will permit picture books, easy readers, juvenile nonfiction and select youth materials while blocking young‑adult and adult collections, public computers, interlibrary loan requests and some electronic resources (such as certain online catalogs and e‑book platforms). The card is intended to be voluntary; parents must opt in or request switching between the standard card and the restricted card free of charge at checkout.

Chang described technical steps staff took: collection mapping, vendor configuration to enforce access levels at the barcode scan, staff training and a distinct portrait card design to make the card visually identifiable. He said testing was underway and the library expected to launch the card in December and to make it available before the new year. The chair and members discussed ensuring promotional language clearly notes that the card is voluntary.

Next steps: staff will finalize training and forms, publish flyers and a press release, and begin issuing the portrait‑oriented restricted card when testing is complete.