Children in the Library

Children are welcome in the Library. The staff cares about their safety and welfare. However, the responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the Library rests with the parent or caregiver, not with the Library Staff.

In order to maintain a suitable environment for all users, the posted Rules of Conduct must be observed. Parents and caregivers must abide by the following policy concerning children in the Library.

• Parents/caregivers are responsible for the safety and behavior of their child. Children are subject to the same rules and consequences as other Library users, including possible loss of library privileges and/or being asked to leave the Library.

• Children under the age of 7 must have a parent/caregiver in the same area of the Library as the child. If a child under seven is found unattended or violates the Rules of Conduct, the child and parent/caregiver may be asked to leave the Library.

• Emergency situations may force the Library to close without warning. All children must have the telephone number of someone to call for transportation if the need arises.

Reasonable effort will be made to try and contact an unattended minor’s parents/guardians should the need arise: however, it may be necessary to notify appropriate law enforcement or child protective authorities if:
• An unattended child is being disruptive.
• A child is habitually left unattended for long periods of time.
• A child is deemed to be at risk of harm, as in the case of a child being left alone outside the building when the Library closes.
• An unattended child is injured or becomes ill.