The Melton Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages. The safety of children left alone in the library building is a serious concern for library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel. It is not the library’s role to provide short or long term childcare. Staff cannot be responsible for children of any age who are left unattended. Parents/caregivers are reminded that there are public restrooms and an exit door to consider when making the decision to leave young children alone in the Children’s Department.

 

Through the age of eight, children MUST be in the immediate vicinity of a parent/caregiver. The assigned caregiver must carry emergency contact information. If a child in this age group is left unattended, library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver and inform them of the library’s policy.

 

Children ages 9 to 11 years of age need not be in the immediate presence of a parent or caregiver as long as their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members.  However parent or caregiver must be somewhere in the library.

 

From ages 12 to 18, children are free to use the library unsupervised as long as their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members.

 

Children who do not have transportation at closing time will be allowed to use the telephone to call for a ride. If transportation is not available within 15 minutes after closing, staff will use their judgment as to whether the police should be called to escort a child home. Staff is not permitted to drive children home.

 

 

 

Reviewed/updated April 20, 2014