B4

CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY POLICY

Approved: 8/22/2018 (replaces “Youth Safety Policy”)

Revised:  10/26/2022

Although no public place can guarantee the safety of children, the Library strives to maintain an environment that is inviting to and respectful of young people’s needs, from infancy through the teen years. Areas specifically designated to serve the needs of youth and families are provided at each location, with appropriately designed furnishings, equipment, collections, and programs.

1. Rules and Regulations Regarding Children:

a. A “child” is defined as any minor under the age of 18.
b. All patrons, including children, must comply with the Library’s policies. Parents, guardians, and responsible caregivers shall review and be fully aware of all Library policies, including the Internet Use Policy.
c. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the behavior, supervision, and safety of their children, regardless of age, while on Library property, and regardless of whether the parent, guardian, or caregiver is on site. Library Staff will not be expected to supervise or monitor children’s behavior.
d. A child of any age, who, due to disability or other special circumstance, requires supervision, assistance, or personal care shall be attended by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver at all times.
e. Children under the age of 10 may not be left on the premises unsupervised. Additionally, children between the ages of 10 and 17 should not be left unattended in the Library or on the premises for an unreasonable length of time. The “reasonable duration” will be determined by Library Staff based on the maturity of the child and the child’s ability to demonstrate appropriate public behavior.
f. Library Staff will attempt to contact a parent, legal guardian, or custodian when a child is frightened while alone at the library, the health or safety of the child is in doubt, the child needs assistance procuring transportation, or the child is unable to demonstrate appropriate behavior. Examples of inappropriate behavior include but are not limited to:
• Engaging in unreasonably loud, boisterous, or unsafe behavior;
• Using profanity or obscene language;
• Running or climbing;
• Fighting, pushing, shoving, or stealing;
• Engaging in inappropriate displays of affection or sexual conduct;
• Failure to comply with Staff direction regarding behavior;
• Possessing weapons of any type;
• Verbally or physically threatening or harassing others;
• Operating electronic devices in an unreasonable manner that disturbs others;
• Neglecting to provide proper supervision of others minors under their care;
• Violating the Internet Use Policy;
• Partaking, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of substances illegal to minors, including cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol;
g. Violations of the above behavior prohibitions, as well as those listed in the Patron Behavior Policy, are subject to the suspension of library privileges. Staff will not be responsible for children who are asked to leave the Library due to their behavior.
h. Library Staff will not be responsible if unattended children of any age leave the Library alone or with other persons.

2. Unattended Children at Closing.

a. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for knowing when the Library is closing.
b. Library Staff will not assume responsibility for determining whether a child is mature enough to walk or bike home, ride the bus, leave with others, or secure a ride share.
c. Library Staff are not permitted to transport children under any circumstances.
d. If an unattended child remains in the building 15 minutes past closing, and a parent, guardian, or caregiver cannot be reached, Staff will contact law enforcement, and the child will be turned over to the custody of law enforcement for his or her safety.