UNATTENDED CHILDREN
The Library is a public building available for the use of all, including those whose interest in children may not be entirely wholesome. Even in a small library, staff may not recognize all of the adults who enter or leave the building with children. Parents or caregivers, not the Library staff, are responsible for insuring the safety and wellbeing of minors in the Library or on its grounds. The Library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children but will intervene if aware of a problem.
Children aged 10 or younger must be continually attended by a parent or caregiver while in the building or on the grounds. Allowing a young child to roam the Library while the responsible adult uses one of the Library’s personal computers is not considered attendance of that child.
Children aged eleven and older may be left unattended at the discretion of the parent or caregiver. Pickup times and Library hours must be discussed between parent and child before the responsible adult leaves the Library. The Library’s telephone is not normally to be used for contacting parents of unattended children.
Children attending Library programs (whether held at the Library, on its grounds, or elsewhere) are supervised by staff only for the duration of the program.
Children should not be left at the Library or on its grounds before opening or after closing, including emergency closings. The Library staff is not responsible for supervising children left alone when the Library is closed but will attempt to reach a parent or caregiver for immediate pickup.
Should a child be at the Library at closing, and a parent or caregiver be unavailable, staff will immediately notify the local police.
The Library staff will stay with an unattended child only until the police arrive. Staff will not offer transportation from the library to any other location.
In the event that the police are notified about an unattended child, the staff member(s) involved will notify the Director immediately.
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