Blog

Your Library and You

The public library is a repository of knowledge, freely available to everyone. At the Crawfordsville District Public Library, we strive to offer the most complete, up-to-date information possible on every subject, no matter how sensitive, so our patrons can be well-informed citizens of the world. We trust that our patrons can make their own decisions about whether or not an item is appropriate for them based on the details in the catalog or by asking our staff for recommendations.

Those concerned about the effects of library materials on children can be reassured that age-appropriate resources for children and teens are restricted to the first floor, while the second floor carries our adult collection. Parents and guardians have the freedom and the responsibility of monitoring the library use of children under 18. Children under the age of 16 cannot check out DVDs or Blu-rays, and 16- and 17-year-olds cannot check out R-rated films. Apart from that, the library does not prevent patrons from checking out materials based on the subject matter.

At CDPL we strive to protect your privacy, so your reading history is confidential. For those who prefer, we have an automated self-check-out machine in addition to our friendly Circulation staff. Furthermore, everyone is welcome to use library materials while in the building without checking them out. We ask that patrons place items they do not intend to check out on the designated carts when they are finished.

You can get a CDPL library card or computer access card at the Circulation desk on the first floor. Cards are free to residents of Union Township with ID and proof of residency. Non-residents may purchase a fee card or be eligible for a reciprocal borrower card in partnership with their local library. Ask at the Circulation desk if you have any questions.

We provide activities, programs, and recommendations for patrons of all ages. Adult take-and-make craft kits and themed displays are available each month on the second floor. The adult displays for March are Women’s History Month, The Book Was Better (Books versus Movies), Foraging: Mushrooms, and Your Body, Your Health. All of the materials on these displays are available for checkout.

Join us during our business hours to learn more about library access. You can read past columns, find resources, and see our calendar of events on our website at www.cdpl.lib.in.us, or call us at 765-362-2242. The library is open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. –  9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 – 5 p.m.

Susanna Howard is a Library Assistant in the Reference and Local History department at CDPL.