Kids & the Library Policy

The library welcomes children and families and is committed to providing a welcoming and enjoyable environment for all visitors. For this reason, children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible caregiver while in the building.

This policy exists to protect children and to ensure that library staff can fulfill their duties responsibly and safely.

Why This Policy Exists

Emergencies can occur with little to no warning. 

Examples include:

• Fire alarms or smoke-related evacuations
• Power outages
• Sudden building maintenance issues (e.g., plumbing problems)
• Early closures due to severe weather or county-wide alerts

In these situations, the library may need to close immediately. Library staff are not permitted to remain in the building after closing or during emergency closures to supervise children, nor can they provide transportation or assume responsibility for a child’s safe return home.

Staff Responsibilities and Limitations

Library staff are here to assist all patrons, manage programs, run the circulation desk, and ensure the building remains a safe and respectful environment. They are not able to provide one-on-one supervision or act as caregivers for individual children.

Even the most well-behaved child may become frightened, confused, or unsure of what to do if left alone in a public space—especially during emergencies or disruptions.

The Library is a Public Building

While we do everything we can to make the library a safe and friendly environment, it is still a public space. Children left alone may:

• Interact with unknown adults
• Wander out of the building without supervision
• Become distressed or disruptive if confused or overwhelmed

We cannot guarantee the safety of children who are here without a responsible adult.

How Parents and Guardians Can Help

To support a safe and welcoming library experience for all:

• Stay with your child if they are under 13 years of age

• Remain in the building during programs or activities attended by children under 13

• If your child is attending a program with another caregiver, please make sure that person is clearly responsible for them

• Be aware that policies may be enforced if staff become aware that a child is unsupervised

Violations

If a child under thirteen (13) years of age is found unattended:

• 1st Instance: Library staff will make every effort to locate the parent/caregiver in the Library and inform him/her of the rules.
• 2nd Instance: Child and parent/caregiver will be asked to leave the Library. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found, Police may be called for assistance.