Unattended Policy

The Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. The Library is a very busy place and staff members cannot supervise children or guarantee their safety on library property. The Library does not act in loco parentis. Responsibility for the behavior, adherence to library policy, safety and well- being of children (any minor under the age of 18) using the Library rests with the parent (guardian or caregiver assigned by the parent) and not with the Library personnel.

Children 0-8: Children under the age of eight years may not be left unattended by an adult on Library property. Adults who do not attend librarian led storytime programs with the child must remain in the building and must return to the story area by the end of the program.

Procedures:

Regular Library Hours:

• If children under the age of eight are found without an adult during regular library hours, staff will attempt to locate the parent or other caregiver. If the parent or caregiver cannot be located in the building or at home within 15 minutes, the Carlisle police will be contacted to pick up the child.

• If Library staff judges that any unattended minor is not coping adequately or adhering to library policy, staff will attempt to locate a parent or care giver to pick up the child. If the parent or adult caregiver cannot be contacted within 15 minutes, the Carlisle police will be contacted for assistance.

Closing Time:

• Staff members will use their judgment when dealing with unattended youth at closing. If an unattended minor appears distraught or is not coping well at closing, two library staff will stay with the child and will call the parents or care giver. If unable to reach parents or adult care givers by telephone in 15 minutes, staff will call the Carlisle police. If staff are able to reach parents or other care givers, but the parent or other care giver are unable to pick up the child within 15 minutes after the Library closes, they will call the Carlisle police.

In any case where law enforcement has picked up a child from the library at closing, a note will be attached to the door of the library. Staff do not drive children home.

Approved 11/18/2004