Approved by the Board of Trustees May 9, 2022
Purpose
This policy is established to provide for the safety and well-being of children who use the library, in order to create an inviting, educational, and fun place for children.
Statement of Policy
Adults* are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library. Children, age 10 and younger, must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Children, ages 11-17, will be responsible for their behavior within the library. Parents will be notified of inappropriate behavior and library visitation may be restricted.
Children, ages 11-13 may not be left unattended for prolonged periods*.
Organizations bringing groups of children to the library must follow the ratio of adults to children listed below for chaperones. Groups must have an “adult”* chaperone with them at all times.
- Birth to one year: 1 chaperone for 5 children
- One to two years: 1 chaperone for 6 children
- Two to three years: 1 chaperone for 8 children
- Three to four years: 1 chaperone for 12 children
- Four to five years: 1 chaperone for 17 children
- Five to six years: 1 chaperone for 20 children
- Six to twelve years: 1 chaperone for 23 children
“Adults”* using the children’s section of the library must have a child with them, be conducting research for children's homework, be teachers, or working on a college degree working with children.
- “Prolonged periods” is defined as longer than three hours.
- “Adults” are defined as being 18 years or older.