Introduction
The staff of the East Longmeadow Public Library hope that children using the library will find it an inviting place to develop a love of books and reading, as well as a place to find materials which serve their informational, educational and recreational needs. Children are encouraged to visit the library, and to take advantage of its resources.
The East Longmeadow Public Library recognizes its obligation to consider the safety and welfare of children while they are in the library. Many children are capable of using the library on their own, and should not be discouraged from doing so. However, some children left alone become frightened or anxious, while others may exhibit behavior inappropriate to a library setting. The following policy statement and accompanying procedures are designed to address the library’s concern for the welfare of children, and are not intended to restrict, discourage or frustrate appropriate use of the library.
In order to create an environment of safety, and maintain an atmosphere where reading and study can be encouraged, the following policy has been created.
Policy Statement
Children of all ages are welcome in the library. However, it is the responsibility of parents, guardians and other caregivers to ensure their appropriate behavior. The library staff is not responsible for the supervision of children left unattended by their parents, guardians or caregivers.
For the purposes of this policy, an unattended child refers to a child in the library alone, or a child whose parent, guardian or caregiver is in the library but is not directly supervising that child. The latter situation may occur when the adult and child are in separate areas of the building, or when the adult is using library materials or equipment and is not supervising the child.
Children aged seven years and under must be accompanied and directly supervised by a parent, guardian, or other caregiver. Children eight and nine years old may use the library unattended, as long as a parent, guardian, or other caregiver is in the library.
All children while in the library are subject to the rules and regulations in effect regarding proper library behavior and conduct. Children determined by the staff to be disrupting normal library activities will be given one warning and then will be asked to leave if the behavior persists.
The East Longmeadow Public Library assumes no responsibility for children of any age left unattended in the library. Under no circumstances will library staff transport any child from the library during or after business hours.
Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, December, 2005