Children in the Library
Introduction:
The Liberty Public Library welcomes children to use the library and its resources. We strive to offer many programs to make libraries enjoyable for children and to help them develop a lifelong love of reading, books and libraries. Unfortunately, children left alone for several hours when no library programs are offered, often become disruptive and bored. In order to maintain a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful atmosphere for all public library users, we ask your cooperation with the following policy:
CHILDREN MUST FOLLOW THE SAME RULES OF CONDUCT AS STATED FOR ALL PATRONS WITH THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONS:
1. Children under the age of 10 may not be left unattended in the library-they must be accompanied by a parent or supervised by someone at least 15 years of age.
2. Children aged 10 and older may be left unattended in the library for a reasonable amount of time, generally not to exceed 1-2 hours. (Special consideration will be made for children involved in extensive research or projects at staff discretion.)
3. The library is not to be used as a latchkey/babysitting site at any time, but especially not after-school or during school district half days.
4. Children in the library need to know how to contact a parent/guardian. They should also be aware of the library's closing time.
**STAFF WILL NOTIFY PARENTS OF THIS POLICY WHEN CHILDREN ARE LEFT UNATTENDED REPEATEDLY AND/OR FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. (IF NECESSARY, THE POLICE OR CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES MAY BE CONTACTED.)
**PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, NOT LIBRARY STAFF, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS AND SAFETY OF CHILDREN VISITING THE LIBRARY.
**CHILDREN WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE LIBRARY PREMISES IF PROPER BEHAVIOR IS NOT MAINTAINED. FOR REPEATED OR EXTREME BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS, CHILDREN MAY BE BANNED FROM THE LIBRARY FOR A PERIOD OF TIME TO BE DETERMINED BY THE LIBRARIAN.
Adopted by Board of Trustees: March 26, 2002/ Revised March 23, 2010