Safe Child Policy

The library is a public space, much like a park, and patrons of all ages are welcome. The library will not assume the responsibility of surrogate care provider for children in the library (e.g. serving as a care-taker for school age children after school). Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior while on library property. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver (who is 14 years of age or older) who is to remain in the library with the child at all times. Children age 6-7 years-old may only be unaccompanied before/after a library program for them, not to exceed a combined total of one hour.

 

Disruptive and Unaccompanied Children

Disruptive children will be asked to leave the building after receiving a second warning. If the disruptive child is under 12 years-old and no accompanying adult is in the library, the staff will attempt to locate the parent by telephone and require that an adult take the child from the library immediately. Police may be called to provide assistance. More than one such occurrence, or the inability of the parent to provide immediate assistance, may result in suspension of library privileges of the child or parent(s) of the child at the discretion of the Director.

 

Unattended Children at Closing

If unattended children are left at the library at closing time, two staff members will wait with the child (and attempt to call the parent). Fifteen minutes after closing the Sheldon Police will be called and the child will be placed in their custody. Under no circumstances will a staff member leave a child alone outside after closing or take the child with them.