UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY

 In order to prevent undue disruption of normal library activities, to accommodate the general welfare of all persons using the library, and to provide for the general safety of children using Stevens County Library, the Policy for Unattended Children has been established. 

 The definition of an unattended child in the Stevens County Library is any unsupervised minor under five (5) years of age or one with special needs relating to physical and mental ability.  The library assumes no responsibility for children left unattended on library premises, including prior to or following scheduled events. 

A.      Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the care, safety, behavior, and supervision of their children at all times in the Library and on Library property.

B.     Parents attending meetings on library property, whether sponsored by an outside group or the library must

a.       Leave children at home

b.      Keep children with them in the meeting

c.       Provide adequate supervision

C.     Parents using the computer lab must

a.       Leave children at home

b.      Provide adequate supervision         

4. Children, like all library users, are required to comply with the Code of Conduct for Public Library Behavior.
5. All children five (5) years of age or younger will, at all times, be attended and adequately supervised by a responsible adult or mature adolescent thirteen (13) years of age or older.
6. Children six (6) years of age may use the library unattended providing proper behavior is maintained.
7. Children must have the telephone numbers of their parent, guardian, or other designated adult so that a responsible person may be contacted to come and pick up the child in case of a health emergency, or other special circumstance.
8. If a library staff member is aware that an unattended child is on library property, or if an unattended child cannot find the parent or adult that brought them to the library, the staff member will endeavor to locate the parent immediately.  If no adult can be reached will then contact the police department for assistance.
9. If a child is left unattended at the close of the library day, staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian.  If no adult can be reached will then contact the police department for assistance.  Staff will not transport children home or to any other destination under any circumstances.
10. If an unattended child is causing a disturbance or harming library property or materials, staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian.  If no adult can be reached will then contact the police department for assistance.  Unattended children will not be asked to leave the building, but will be moved to a place of security until assistance arrives.
11. Any incident of an unattended child requires that an incident report be filed with the director within two (2) working days of the date the incident occurred. 

GROUP VISITS

The Stevens County Library welcomes visits from groups, such as schools, daycare centers, and home-schooling groups. 

1. Groups of children must be accompanied by an adult.
2. Groups of eight (8) or more children must be accompanied by at least two adults.
3.  Teachers or group leaders are responsible for group discipline and must remain with the group the entire visit.
4. The behavior of the group should not disturb other Library patrons.

 Rev. 06/21/2005