It's First Day of School Season! In honor of a new school year, we would like to take this time to remind families and caregivers about our Unattended Children Policy. (TLDR: Children under 8 MUST be accompanied by a responsible party 16 years of age or older) Please ensure any child who will be spending time at the library without a responsible adult must know (or carry in their backpack) a phone number for their caregiver(s) in case of emergency. Thank you!
UNATTENDED CHILDREN POLICY
"All children under the age of eight (8) or one with special needs relating to physical and mental ability will be accompanied by their care provider at all times unless they are actively participating in a scheduled library activity. This will give the provider an opportunity to teach the child/children appropriate behavior for a library/public place and respect for other patrons and books. Those responsible for children under eight (8) that are actively participating in a scheduled library activity may wait for the conclusion of the class in another area of the library, but should never leave the premises.
Care providers for children under the age of eight (8) must be sixteen (16) years of age or older. Older siblings under the age of sixteen (16) are not acceptable as care providers.
If the behavior of a child under the age of eight (8) becomes unacceptable, the parent or caregiver will be asked to correct the problem. If the behavior continues, the parent or caregiver and child may be asked to leave the library.
Children eight (8) years of age and older may use the library unattended providing their behavior follows the Code of Conduct for Public Library Behavior. Should the child’s behavior become unacceptable, the child will be asked to leave. Concern for the child’s safety is paramount and an attempt will be made to locate the child’s parents so they are aware of the situation and may pick up their child if they wish. If a parent cannot be located, the police may be called for assistance."
