In an effort to provide a library environment that allows all patrons to utilize library materials and information sources in a safe, relaxed manner, the Board of Trustees of the Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library has adopted this policy statement concerning unattended or disruptive children.
The Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library welcomes children to use its facilities and services. However, the responsibility for the care, safety and behavior of children using the library rests with the parent, guardian, or caregiver. While many people think of a public library as a safe environment, that is unfortunately not always the case.
Library staff members have many duties and cannot supervise children nor act as a substitute for daycare or babysitting services.
Children through age seven (7) must have a parent, guardian, or caregiver in the immediate vicinity unless they are participating in a library program. Parents, guardians, or caregivers for those age five (5) or under who do not attend the program with the child should remain in the building. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are still responsible for the actions of the children in their custody.
Children may use the library unattended for an amount of time appropriate to their age and maturity. It is important for staff to take note of disruptions caused by children who are apparently unaccompanied. Nevertheless, parents, guardians, or caregivers are still responsible for the actions of the children in their custody. Children using inappropriate behavior will be informed of the rules. The staff of the library deems what is inappropriate behavior. If inappropriate behavior continues, the child shall be asked to leave the library. Staff members are not obligated to contact a parent or guardian if the minor child is asked to leave library property for violating the policy due to inappropriate behavior. Minors who are in chronic violation of the policy will be required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during library visits for a period to be determined by the Library Director. In the event there is an unruly child at the library without a parent or custodian, library staff may contact the McArthur Police Department or the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office to request that the child be removed by law enforcement officials. Law enforcement would be authorized to take physical custody of the child to reunite the child with a parent or guardian.
If a child is unaccompanied by an adult or caregiver, the staff will follow the directions below for children found on library premises without a parent, guardian, or caregiver. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency. The library staff may not take responsibility for the care of any child of any age.
If a child is found without a parent, guardian, or caregiver, the staff will:
- attempt to comfort the child, if necessary.
- locate the parent, guardian, or caregiver in the library and explain the Unattended or Disruptive Child Policy.
- make every effort to contact the parent, guardian, or caregiver who is not in the library to come and pick up the child. Staff will express the library's concern for the child's safety and explain the Unattended or Disruptive Child Policy.
- encourage an unattended child to contact the parent or guardian if it is within 30 minutes of closing time. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached or does not arrive within 15 minutes of closing, library staff will call the McArthur Police or the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office to pick up the child. Staff will notify the Library Director that law enforcement officials have been called.
- remain with the child until the parent, guardian, caregiver, or law enforcement officials arrive. (This is compensatory time for the two staff members who remain with the child.)
- leave a note on the library door stating "Unattended child is in the custody of the McArthur Police or the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office, 106 S. Market St., 596-5242" once the child is in the care of law enforcement officials. Names will not be stated on the sign.
- not transport any child from the library to another location.
- complete an incident report form and submit it to the library Director. A copy will be provided to the law enforcement officials, or children's services office when appropriate.