Brighton Memorial Library's Unattended Child Policy
Brighton Memorial Library (BML) welcomes and encourages children to visit the library, use its resources and services, and attend library programs. BML wants a child’s library visit to be a rewarding one that encourages a love of reading. Staff members are available to help and support our young patrons.
BML is not, however, able to provide short- or long-term child care, or be responsible for unattended children. Unattended children are children under the age of eighteen who are unaccompanied by a parent, guardian, and/or responsible caregiver.
Parents/guardians/caregivers are responsible for the safety, behavior, and supervision of children at all times in the library and on library property. Children are expected to respect library property and adhere to the rules outlined in the BML Patron Behavior Policy.
Summary
Ages 7 & below: Parent/guardian/caregiver must be in the library and in sight of the child
Ages 8-10: Parent/guardian/caregiver must be in the library
Ages 11-17: May use the library unattended, but parent/guardian/caregiver is still responsible
Children of any age may not be left at the library for childcare or babysitting purposes.
Library staff will attempt to contact a parent or guardian in circumstances such as the following:
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An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other library users, staff, or the normal operations of library business
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An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health or safety of the child and/or others
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An unattended child is left alone at the library at closing time
Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If parents or guardians cannot be reached or are unresponsive, the Library will work with other agencies as needed.
BML assumes no responsibility for unattended children. In the interest of child safety, if an unattended child is in the Library at closing time and attempts to contact a parent or guardian are unsuccessful, BML will call 911 to report an abandoned child.
Library staff will wait with unattended children until the police arrive. Library staff may not offer transportation home. BML is not responsible if children leave the library property unattended.
BML recognizes parents’/guardians’/caretakers’ responsibility for the behavior and well-being of their children. We respect the privacy of all our library patrons and will intervene only when a child is deemed at risk.
Adopted by the Brighton Memorial Library Board of Trustees: February 20, 2017