Unattended Children
The Hillsdale Free Public Library is concerned for the safety and well-being of children left unattended in the library.
We urge parents to remember that the library is a public building and it is not in any child’s best interest to be left here unattended. The library has implemented the following policy for the safety of all children visiting the library.
l. Children under the age of six years must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver (age 13 or over) at all times while in the library.
- Children six to eight years of age must have an adult caregiver (age 13 or over) present in the library.
- Children aged nine through twelve may be left in the library without an adult for reasonable periods of time, but parents are responsible for their behavior and will be contacted if necessary. (Reasonable periods of time may vary with a child’s maturity, but generally one to two hours is acceptable.)
- Children thirteen and over may be in the library without an adult. However, should disciplinary problems arise, the library may ask the child to leave. In that event, the library assumes no further responsibility for the child.
If problems arise while younger children are using the library or if they are left alone, the library staff will attempt to contact the parents. If the library staff is unable to reach the parents, the police will be called.
Parents are required to be at the library no later than fifteen minutes before closing to pick up children.
DEFINITIONS:
Under no circumstances will the library assume custodial responsibility for any child.
An unattended child is any child under the age of nine who is in the library unaccompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver (age thirteen or over).
Parents, not library staff, are responsible for the behavior of their children using the library and may be held liable for any damage they cause.
This policy was reviewed and modified by The Library Board of Trustees at a regular meeting on March 14, 2016.
This policy/procedure was reviewed and approved by The Library Board of Trustees at a regular meeting on May 14, 2007. All policies and procedures may be reviewed at any time.