Gloucester
City Library
Policy on Unattended Children in the Library
Introduction
Service to children is a very high priority of the Gloucester City Library. Children of all ages are welcomed and encouraged to use the Library's materials, programs and services and every effort is made to have a pleasant, warm and inviting library building. At the same time, the Library is an open, public building and the safety of young children left alone is a serious concern. Unattended children, left alone for an extended period of time, may become restless or disruptive. Some, especially younger children, can become frightened or anxious.
For these reasons the following policy has been established.
Policy
Parents or adult caregivers are responsible for the care of their children using the Library's facilities. Library staff members cannot and do not assume responsibility for the care or supervision of children in the Library. The library does not assume responsibility for information children may acquire at the library that parents or caregivers may find inappropriate. Only parents/caregivers may determine what their child may not borrow, view, or listen to at the library.
Parents must stay with children ages 24-36 months attending library programs. Parents must remain in the building with children ages 3 through 5 attending library programs.
Should
it become evident to staff that a child has been improperly left alone,
including at the time the library closes, staff will attempt to reach the
parents. In certain circumstances, if parents cannot be reached, the
police will be called.
This policy supersedes all previous policies. Adopted by the Board of Trustees June 20, 2006.