Unattended Children
Approved: 1/21/2009
The library welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities, services and programming. Responsibility for the behavior and well-being of children rests with the parent or caregiver.
Issues of concern:
While many people think of a public library as a safe environment; unfortunately that is not always the case. Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as baby-sitters, teachers or disciplinarians. As in all public places, “stranger danger” is a real concern. Library staff cannot prevent children from interacting with or leaving with persons who are not the appropriate chaperone. The library cannot assume responsibility for children who leave the library premises.
From time to time the library schedules or provides programs which are designed and suitable for attendance without parental supervision. If a parent/caregiver intends to leave the children’s room during a program they must notify a children’s room staff member as to their whereabouts. Adults unaccompanied by a child who do not require immediate materials from the Children's Room shall be asked to relocate to other areas of the library.
This policy has been established to provide a safe and positive environment for children who use the library. Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.
Policy:
Children age 7 and under must be accompanied by and in sight of their parent/caregiver at all times.
Children ages 8-10 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible caregiver who remains on library property at all times.
Children ages 11 and up may use the library unattended for a period of time not more than three hours; the library does not provide child care services. The child must know how to reach the adult in case the need should arise.
After Hours:
In the event a child is still at the library at closing time, staff will help the child try to contact the parents. Fifteen minutes after the library closes to the public, the police will be called to pick him/her up. Under no circumstances will a staff member drive the child home.
