The library is a public place; therefore, children’s safety cannot be guaranteed. The conduct, safety, and supervision of children while on library premises are the responsibility of the child’s parents, guardians, and caregivers. Parents, legal guardians, and/or caregivers are responsible for their children while their children are in the library at all times, regardless of whether the parent, legal guardian, and/or caregiver is present in the library.
No child under the age of 14 may be left unattended at the library.
Children aged 14 and older may be left unattended at the library if:
· the parent, legal guardian, and/or caregiver determines that the child is mature enough to use the library unattended;
· the child is able to communicate to staff their full name, parent, legal guardian, and/or caregiver’s name and phone number upon request; and
· the child follows the library Rules of Behavior as outlined in that policy.
Children aged 14 and older who do not meet all three criteria must be supervised when in the library by a responsible caregiver who meets all the criteria and has the ability to supervise the behavior of the child. When the safety of any child is in doubt, regardless of age, staff may contact local law enforcement and/or other authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Children under the age of 14 left unattended may be deemed at-risk.
If a parent, legal guardian, and/or caregiver of a child under the age of 14 cannot be contacted or located within 10 minutes of closing, the police department will be contacted.