For the purpose of this statement, "child" is defined as anyone under 15 years of age.

Children are encouraged to visit the Public Library to take advantage of the resources available for educational and recreational purposes.  It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and/or adult caretaker to insure the appropriate behavior and supervision   of minor children while in the Library.  The Public Library is a large facility with minimal staff.  Its purpose is to house recreational and educational reading and/or research materials for the use of the community at large. The physical arrangement of the building, including the Children's Department, is designed for such use, with only a few toys and puzzles available.  The Library is not equipped nor its staff available to provide "child care" to unattended children.

When a minor child engages in behavior in the Library that is potentially dangerous to themselves or engages in activities particularly annoying to other library users, a staff member will speak to the responsible adult about the problem, and request that they provide closer supervision for their child.  If a responsible adult is not present, a Library staff member will speak directly to the child, specifically name the problem behavior or activity, and request that it cease.  Library staff will not physically restrain, threaten, or touch a minor child.  If the problem continues the Library Director will be notified and steps will be taken to contact the parent/guardian and/or responsible adult caretaker to come to the Library and take control of the situation.

A minor child will not be asked to the leave the Library if not accompanied by a responsible adult.  Library staff will not transport minor children away from the Library in a personal or Library owned vehicle.  If a responsible adult cannot be reached the appropriate authorities (police department) will be notified.

Library staff will remain with unattended children left in building after closing hours for up to thirty (30) minutes, but not to exceed sixty (60) minutes before calling the proper authorities (police department).  Once the authorities have been called, staff will remain with child until the police arrive and take control.  When possible, Library staff should personally inform the responsible adult of the library's closing time and request that they pick up their child before, or by that time in the future. 

If significant evidence of abuse and/or neglect is observed by staff members, the Library Director should be notified so that the intervention of appropriate authorities can be solicited.

Adopted 4/92 and Revised 6/96, 9/2001, Reviewed 2/26/2008