Vision Statement

More than a building or a collection of books, the Waterville Public Library is a thriving public resource - -
a place to seek out information and take advantage of special programs for children and adults.
It is a place to meet with friends and to showcase community talents.
The Waterville Public Library is an essential element of the quality of life in our community and is a gateway to the world beyond.

Borrowing Policy

Any resident of New York who can provide proof of current address and is five years or old is entitled to a library card.

Most items can be renewed once either in person, by phone or from your computer. Overdue notices or phone calls will go out after the items has been overdue for 2 weeks. Go to our About Us page for fine information. We do charge for lost or damaged items.

The Waterville Public Library is part of the Mid-York Library System. Patrons are entitled to use the resources of all of the libraries in the Mid-York Library System; please inquire if you have specific questions about your Mid-York privileges. Members of the Mid-York Library System include the following libraries:

Library Card Policy

If you do not currently have a library card, and you are over 18, you can fill out a form at the library. You will need a driver's license or other form of identifcation that has your current address on it. It will take us only a few minutes to process your new card.

You can download a library card form and bring it with you.

Library Cards for Minors
In order for us to issue a library card to a minor, they must be over 5 yrs. old and an adult parent or guardian (who has appropriate identification as mentioned above) must come into the library and sign the application to show that he or she accepts responsibility for all library materials loaned to the minor.

BEE-GINNER CARDS
For children 2-5 years old. This program is designed for children who come to the library and want to borrow books. Parents must have a library card. Every time the child brings in their Bee-ginner card and their parent checks out a book for them they get a prize.

Movie Checkout Policy

You may only check out 2 movies per card and can only have out a total of 6 movies per family.

*Anyone under the age of 18 is not able to take out R rated movies without the parent present. If you are a parent and you would like your child to be able to take out R rated movies then you must come into the library and talk to someone on the staff.

Children And The Library

The Waterville Public Library is a valuable community resource of materials, information services, and programs. As a public institution, its doors are open to all, regardless of age, origin, race, gender or background. These rules provide some general guidelines within which children, parents and caregivers can use the Library safely and effectively.

The library has the following expectations for children while using the library:

* Do not run or shout while in the Library.

* Food and drink are not permitted in the Library.

* Please pick up the toys before you leave the Children's Room.

* Parents and caregivers are responsible for the supervision of their children.

* Children under the age of 9 must be attended by a parent or a responsible childcare provider while in the library.

* Children ages 4 through 8 attending a library program must be brought into the building by a parent or responsible childcare provider who must remain in the building until the conclusion of the program when they resume supervision of their charge.

* Children under the age of 4 must be attended at all times.

* Parents and caregivers are responsible for their children's behavior.

Self-supervised youth, aged 9 and up, are welcome to use the library as long as they observe general rules of conduct. For safety's sake, parents should make sure that their children are sufficiently mature before allowing them to visit the library by themselves.

Parents should realize that, even when they are not present, they are responsible for their children's behavior.

If the Library is closing and there are children left in the building without a caregiver, the Library staff will make every effort to locate the parent or caregiver to pick up the child. Failing that, the police department will be called, and the situation transferred to that agency.

Your child's library card presents opportunities for many fascinating, educational and entertaining experiences,
and we are pleased that you, as a parent, are encouraging your child to explore them.

The public library provides a wide variety of materials representing many points of view on topics of interest to the community. 
All libraries contain some materials that some parents find inappropriate for their children.

It is not the library's policy to decide what ideas your child should be exposed to, therefore, 
we hope you will continue to participate in the learning process 
by helping your child select materials and by sharing them at home.

We provide the alternatives. You make the choices.