Usage & Access
HELEN PLUM LIBRARY
U-3 Unattended Children
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees July 19, 2022.
Parents or legal guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children in the Library, whether or not the parents or guardians are present.
Children aged eight and younger must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent or other responsible caregiver. When the safety of an unattended child is in doubt, or the parent or responsible caregiver cannot be located, or if the Library is closing, Library staff are authorized to call the police and stay with the child until the police arrive. The Library will attempt to notify the parents or legal guardians of incidents involving an unattended child.
The Library may schedule or provide programs which are designed and suitable for attendance by children without parental supervision. A parent or responsible caregiver must remain in the building if a child aged eight or under is participating in a program of this nature.
Children aged nine and older may use the Library unattended by an adult, subject to other Library rules and policies concerning behavior and conduct.
The Helen Plum Library staff are committed to:
- Providing an environment that encourages study and exploration
- Planning and facilitating programs that inform and enrich
- Assisting children with library-related activities
- Helping children find materials for schoolwork or recreational reading
Library staff are dedicated to the well-being and safety of children; however, Library staff cannot guarantee a safe environment. Parents and caregivers must be aware that the Library is a public building, open to all.
Library staff cannot, nor is it their responsibility to serve as caregivers or disciplinarians. Parents and caregivers are responsible for addressing a child’s behavior if it interferes with another person’s ability to use the Library or with an employee’s work.
Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.