The staff of the Swansea Free Public Library strives to create a safe, respectful, warm, inviting and fun environment for teens and tweens. Collections and activities have been curated for this age group’s specific information and recreation needs.

General Use:

  • The Teen Room is for use by young adults in grades six through twelve.
  • Patrons of all ages are welcome to browse and check out materials from the Teen Collection, but the use of the room and games in it is solely for the use of patrons in grades six through twelve.
  • If a Teen is looking after a child under the age of 11, they will be asked to move to the Children's room or to an all-ages area.
  • Tutoring is welcome in the library in one of the study rooms or in other public spaces. The Teen Room cannot accommodate tutoring sessions.

Materials Selection:

  • The library is not responsible for a teen's selections of library materials.

Behavior in the Teen Room and Library:

  • Be respectful and kind to one another and of others' belongings.
  • Keep your hands to yourself: no rough-housing, pushing, shoving or public display of affection.
  • Be kind: no profanity, disrespectful or unsafe language.
  • Keep the volume down: talk at a conversational level, the same applies when playing audio or talking on your cell phone.
  • Clean up after yourselves and use the furniture as it is intended.
  • Bikes can be locked up at the bike racks outside of the library. 
  • Watch your belongings: please keep an eye on your bag, laptop, cell phone and do not leave them unattended.
  • All games, magnets, gaming equipment, and other library property must remain in the space.  
  • Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make the space more comfortable and accessible for you. (Suggestions can be made in person or via suggestion box.)
  • Teens may be asked by the staff in charge to leave the library as a result of unacceptable behavior. If this occurs twice, the teen and their caregiver will need to make an appointment with the Director before being allowed to come back to the teen room.

In further interest of creating a safe environment for you, the following will not be tolerated in the Teen Room:

  • Bullying, abuse, or harassment of any kind
  • Physical or verbal fighting
  • Possession of weapons of any kind
  • Selling or use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Vandalism, graffiti, or intentional damage to library or personal property
  • Inappropriate use of technology
  • Invasion of others’ personal space

Library Programs:

  • Adults without an accompanying child cannot attend Teen Programming, with the exception of events marked "All Ages".

Computer/Technology use:

  • Digital content must be rated PG-13 or under. Video games must be rated T and under.
  • Serious or repeated failure to comply with policies, procedures and staff direction will result in loss of privileges to use library computers.

Food:

  • Unless offered as part of a library program, food is not permitted in the Teen Room. Securely covered drinks are permitted.

Unexpected Closings (emergencies or inclement weather):

  • When the library needs to close unexpectedly due to an emergency or inclement weather, the Teen Room will close and teens will need to exit the library building.
  • If the public schools close early due to inclement weather, or if such a closing seems likely, Teens should not visit the library, as the library may also need to close early.

Approved: Swansea Free Public Library Board of Trustees, 3/23/2026