Safety and Well-Being of Children

This policy is written for the safety and well-being of children, and in order to provide for the general welfare of all persons using the library.  Even if the parents are not present, the parents are responsible for and liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage to materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others.

Appropriate Behavior:

Reading is encouraged.  Adults may quietly read aloud to children.  Quiet play with toys is allowed.  Children are allowed to study quietly in small groups. Children must walk while in the library.

Disruptive Behavior

1.      Unacceptable behaviors and the consequences of them are described in the library’s Code of Conduct Policy.  This policy applies to all patrons, regardless of age.

2.      If a child or youth is bothersome or unruly, the library staff will make every attempt to restore appropriate library behavior. If this proves impossible, the disruptive individuals will be asked to leave.

3.      Climbing on tables, shelves, chairs and other furniture is not allowed.

Cleaning Up:  Books should not be re-shelved but left stacked neatly on tables.

Children aged 3 and under:

1.      Must be within the visual contact of a parent or adult caregiver at all times while using   the library.

2.      Must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver through all library programs.

3.      Must be accompanied to the restroom by a parent or adult caregiver.

4.      Must have a parent or adult caregiver with them when using computers.

Children aged 4 and 5:

1.      Must remain in the same area of the library as a parent, adult caregiver, or older sibling.

2.      May attend library programs without an adult.  However, an adult caregiver must remain in the library at all times during the program.

3.      Must have a parent or adult caregiver with them when using computers.

Children aged 6 and over: May be left on their own to attend library programs or to do homework, providing they are not disruptive.  Even if the parents are not present, the parents are responsible for and liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage to materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others.

Unattended children at closing time:

1.      Unattended children must be picked up at least 15 minutes before closing time.

2.      In the case of a child who is unattended at closing (including emergency), the library staff will try to notify the child’s parent or adult caregiver.  If the child’s parent or adult caregiver cannot be located within 30 minutes, the police will be called.

3.      Children will not be left alone in the library or on the library grounds.  A library staff   member will wait with the child until the child’s parent or adult caregiver, the police or a protective services worker arrives.

4.      Library staff members will not take the child home or anywhere away from the library.