Unattended Children

If a child under the age of 8 is in the Library without a parent or caregiver, Library staff or volunteer on duty will:

• Attempt to comfort the child, if necessary;
• Make reasonable efforts to contact the parent or caregiver who is not in the Library to come and pick up the child; and
• Inform the Director or, in the Director’s absence, a trustee who will then call the Sheriff’s Department, to pick up the child if the parent or caregiver cannot be located after an appropriate time.

Library staff will exercise appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of unattended children when the Library is closing.

Parents are responsible for being aware of the times the Library opens and closes. Parents must also keep in mind that the Library may close unexpectedly for reasons out of the control of staff.

If an unattended child of any age is in the Library within 15 minutes of closing time Library staff or volunteer on duty will:

• Contact the child’s parent or guardian and/or ask the child to do so. If a parent or caregiver cannot be reached or does not arrive within 15 minutes following closing, Library staff or volunteer on duty will then call the Director or a trustee who will then call the Police, to pick up the child;
• Remain with the child until the parent or caregiver or police arrive
• Not transport any child from the Library to another location (Library staff cannot give rides to any unrelated child.)

Each incident in which a child has been asked to leave the Library or in which an unattended child has been present after closing will be reported in writing to the Director and the Board of Trustees.

Violation of these policies may result in the suspension of Library privileges for the family.

Adopted 02/11/2021