Visiting Minors Policy
Children are always welcome in our library. While the library staff is always working to create a safe environment for all, it is necessary for parents and caregivers to do their part to ensure that this is so. Parents and caregivers are responsible for the actions and safety of minors visiting the library.
For the safety of the minor and the consideration of others, children aged 5 and below are required to be always within an arm’s reach of their adult.
Children aged 6 to 10 are required to be always within the sight of their adult.
Children and teens aged 11 to 17 may be left unattended at the discretion of a responsible adult. The library is not responsible for the supervision of any minors left unattended at the library.
If a child under age 10 is found alone in the library, library staff will attempt to locate or contact a parent/caregiver. If staff cannot locate or reach a parent/caregiver within a reasonable time, the police will be contacted. Should this occur during closing time for the library, two staff members will wait with the child until the police respond.
Minors who are visiting the library unattended by an adult are expected to follow the Patron Behavior and Safety Policy and, if they do not comply, are subject to the following disciplinary sanctions:
If, on a given day, a minor is not in compliance with the Patron Behavior and Safety Policy, they will be given one warning. If they fail to comply, they will be asked to leave the library for the remainder of its open hours that day.
If, on any other given day, the minor is not in compliance with the Patron Behavior and Safety Policy the minor will be asked to leave and they will not be allowed back until they have arranged a meeting in which they, their parent or guardian, and the Library Director will discuss the problematic behaviors and what is expected in order for the minor to use the library moving forward.
If, on any other given day, the same minor is not in compliance with the Patron Behavior Policy they will no longer be allowed to visit the library unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult during the entire duration of their visit.
Amended on December 21, 2023