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Afterschool Rules for Students: Home

Resources needed for guardians and students to understand what is expected of students who visit the library after school.

Introduction

We welcome Boerne students to our afterschool information page of the Patrick Heath Public Library! 

We want to share with you what we have to offer for afterschool visitors. 

  • Take a look at our events for children and teens!
  • Get help with your homework questions! Contact us by email.
  • Please check out our Homework Help page geared toward students K - 12.

We expect all students to abide by the library's policies. The library closes at 7pm Monday-Thursday, and at 6pm on Friday. Please be sure to pick up your child before closing time.

Please read the Unattended Children policy and the
Patron Behavior policy, which can also be found on our website. 
This policy applies to everyone.

Please make sure your child knows how to contact a responsible adult.
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Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a responsible 
“Adult” (defined as parent, guardian, teacher or assigned caregiver who 
is at least 16 years of age) at all times.

If a child age 10 and under exhibits disruptive behavior, staff will ask the
child to stop the behavior. 

If the behavior continues, staff will inform the parent. In the event the parent
is unable to control the child, the entire party will be asked to leave the
library.

Children 11 years of age and older are welcome to visit the library
without adult supervision. They are expected to understand and follow
the rules of library use.

If a child 11 years of age and older exhibits disruptive behavior, staff will
ask the child to stop the behavior. 

If the behavior continues after the verbal warning, staff will attempt to
contact the child's parent/guardian. 

If the child does not comply with instructions from staff, or staff is unable
to contact the child's parent/guardian, the Boerne Police Department may
be contacted for assistance.
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Children must arrange for transportation from the library a minimum of 20
minutes prior to closing. If any child 15 years of age and under is still on
the premises 20 minutes after closing, Boerne Police Department will be 
notified.

We Consider This to be Disruptive Behavior!

Examples of disruptive behavior may include, but are not limited to:

  • Running

  • Shouting

  • Spitting

  • Rude actions

  • Horseplay

  • No shoes

  • No shirt

  • Loud music

  • Cursing

  • Loitering

  • Talking back

  • Teasing others

  • Misuse of restrooms

  • Misuse of library property

  • Blocking walkways

  • Leaving bags or backpacks unattended

  • Using skateboards or scooters on library premises

  • Viewing inappropriate material on computers

  • Easily overheard talking

  • Demeaning comments

  • Threats of violence, etc

Click on the "Sign Up" button in our catalog, and be sure to upload your student schedule. If you are an adult, please upload proof of residence.

Library Premises

The Patrick Heath Public Library is a public building open to everyone, and is not a restricted, secured, or protected area. The wooded area behind the library is isolated from major traffic and has hidden areas, sharp rocks, and other debris that could pose a hazard. Any parent or guardian leaving a child unattended in the library, or in the areas behind the library, does so at the child’s risk. The City of Boerne is not liable for any consequences of parents/guardians forfeiting their responsibility for children while on library premises.

Tips for Safety First!

  • Consider whether your children are old enough and mature enough to use the library unattended.
  • Make clear arrangements about when and where you will pick up your children after their library visit.
  • Be aware of the library’s opening and closing hours.
  • Make sure your children know personal and emergency contact information.
  • Discuss basic safety rules with children, especially stranger danger
  • Make sure your children have what they need in the library.
  • Introduce your children to library staff.

We May Need to Call the Police

Staff will contact the Boerne Police Department for assistance when:

  • We are unable to contact a parent or guardian;

  • Anyone exhibiting a behavior problem will not leave the library;

  • Children ages 14 and under are left unattended after closing hours for longer than 20 minutes.

  • Anyone exhibits behavior that is deemed to be illegal, dangerous, or harmful to patrons or staff.