Section 3-1 Safe Child Policy
The Amherst County
Public Library Board of Trustees and staff hope that children
who use library facilities will perceive them as inviting
and fun. However, the safety of children left alone is a serious
concern. Library facilities are public places and the best
way for parents and caregivers to ensure their children’s
safety is to be with them at all times.
1. Children under ten years of age may not be left unattended in the library. Library staff is not available for babysitting or watching children in the library.
2. Parents or caregivers are responsible for their children’s behavior whether or not the parent/caregiver is present.
3. All library users, regardless of age, are subject to the Library System’s Code of Conduct. Violations may result in staff asking both a child and the attending parent/caregiver to leave a Library facility.
4. A parent/caregiver must remain within conversational distance of his/her child under the age of ten, unless the child is in a library program that does not require direct parent/caregiver participation.
5. If a child under the age of ten is found unattended, s/he may be considered unsupervised and proper authorities may be notified if a parent/caregiver cannot be located.
6. Children under the age of six may not use any library computer without the direct supervision of a parent/caregiver. A parent/guardian is liable for any damage his/her child may cause.
7. A minor who is left at a library facility and who has indicated to staff s/he has no transportation home will be considered unsupervised. Staff will contact the proper authorities to pick up the minor.
This policy has been developed with the safety of the child in mind and for those situations where a child is in crisis, frightened, neglected, disruptive, or in distress because no nearby parent or caregiver is taking responsibility for the child's needs.
DEFINITIONS
Child or minor: The term “child” and “minor” are interchangeable and signify any person under the age of 18, unless a specific age is mentioned in context.
Caregiver: Any individual responsible for a minor. In some cases, another minor may be considered a caregiver.
Adopted by the Amherst County Public Library Board of Trustees
February 25, 2003; revised October 4, 2005
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