The library takes the safety of its young visitors very seriously. Our policies reflect this concern for safety and expects all users to maintain a respectful and courteous manner when visiting our facilities.

Attendance at the Library

  1. Children ages 11 and younger should have an adult or caregiver within sight and sound range at all times.
  2. Caregivers must be at least 16 years of age. They do not need to be related to the child.
  3. The adult/caregiver is responsible for the actions of the children in their care. Library staff cannot take responsibility for the care of any child.
  4. Children ages 12 to 15 should not be left unattended in the library for extended periods of time. The allowable length of time will be determined by a staff member and will depend on the age and conduct of the child.
  5. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
  6. Staff are empowered to administer this policy as needed, including when the child’s safety is at risk or when the child is behaving in a disruptive manner.

Lost or Unattended Children

If it is determined that a child age 15 or younger has been left unattended in the library, staff will take the following steps. The steps could also be taken for a lost or unattended child who is over age 15, if the staff member believes that the safety of the child requires it.

  1. The child will be questioned to obtain the parent's/caregiver's name and telephone number.
  2. Staff will call the parent/caregiver, inform him/her of the library's concern for the child's safety, and request that they pick up the child immediately.  Staff will inform the parent/caregiver that if the child is not picked up within the agreed upon pickup time, the local police will be called.
  3. When the parent/caregiver arrives, staff will give him/her a copy of the parent letter that explains library policy.
  4. If the parent/caregiver cannot be reached within 30 minutes, or if they do not respond within the agreed upon pickup time, staff will call the local police.
  5. Once the child is in the care of the police, staff will leave a note on the library door stating,  "Unattended child is in the custody of the [township name] police, [address; phone].” Names will not be stated on the sign.