Unattended Children Policy

The Library policy concerning the supervision of children exists to maintain a safe and orderly environment for Library use and to protect Library property.

Children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in the library. Exceptions may be made during scheduled library programs, at which time the person responsible for the child’s supervision may be absent for the duration of the program, but must remain in the building.

For children age 12 and over:

1. Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children on Library premises at all times and must provide reasonable supervision of their children as is appropriate based on the age and level of responsibility of each child. It is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that the child is of sufficient age and maturity to be left unattended at the Library.

2. Parents and guardians should be aware of Library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children.

a. The Library is not responsible for the care and supervision of unaccompanied children.

b. If a child is unaccompanied in the Library 15 minutes before closing time, staff may assist the child in calling to arrange for transportation. The staff may call the police if the parent or guardian fails to pick up the child by the close of business.

c. Under no circumstances will library staff transport children to any destination.

d. The Library is not responsible for children outside the building who await transportation or who are socializing.

Adopted October, 2001. Revised March 2010, August 2011, July 2023.