HomeMy Public PortalAboutdec16policyChild Safety Policy
Children are always welcome at the Watertown Free Public Library.
Unattended Children
The safety of children on Library premises is a serious concern of the Library staff. However, the
responsibility for the safety and behavior of children on Library premises rests with the parent or
childcare provider and not with Library staff. The following guidelines apply to the conduct of
children.
• Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible childcare
provider.
• Children, age 10 and older may be left unattended for a period of time - not to exceed 2
hours.
• Children left unattended should know how to reach a parent or guardian and parents
should be aware of the library closing time.
• Children should know who is picking them up and when.
• Parents and guardians should be aware of the hours of programs so that the children do
not have to wait for unreasonable lengths of time to be picked up.
• Parents or guardians should advise children to wait inside the building to avoid the
hazards of the street and parking lot.
• Staff members will not transport children from the library to any other location.
• If an unattended child's conduct calls attention to him/herself, a Library staff member
may attempt to locate the parent or responsible child care provider.
• If a problem arises with children of any age, and the staff is unable to locate the parent or
guardian, the Police will be notified.
The Watertown Public Library is a public building open to all. The staff cannot regulate when or
with whom children leave the library.
Consequences
Enforcement of these rules for children may take the following forms, depending on the severity
of the misconduct, which will be determined by Library staff.
• A child who is violating the Conduct in the Library policy will be given one warning. If a
child does not modify his/her behavior after one warning, the parent or child care
provider may be asked to remove the child from Library premises.
• If a child is violating the Conduct in the Library policy and is not attended by a parent or
child care provider, a Library staff member will ask the child to modify his/her behavior
and take appropriate action.
Approved August 24, 2009
Unattended Adults in Children's and Teen Rooms
Adults may visit the Teen Room or Children's Room only when accompanied by children using those
departments or retrieving materials for research or check out.
Unaccompanied adults who are retrieving materials for research or check out may not remain in the
Teen Room or Children's Room to review the materials, but instead should take them to the adult
section of the library to review.
Unaccompanied adults may be asked by library staff to use the facilities, services, and equipment in the
adult section of the library.
This policy reflects the library's concern for the safety of children in the library.
Approved August 24, 2009