Unattended Children Policy

The Algonquin Area Public Library welcomes the use of its facilities by children of all ages. Library Staff cannot assume responsibility for the supervision or safety of children left unattended in the Library. This is the responsibility of the child’s parent, guardian, or designated caregiver.

Children under 10 years of age may not be left unattended in the Library and must be directly supervised by a caregiver (i.e., an adult or mature adolescent

12 years or older) who assumes full responsibility for the child’s safety and behavior in the Library.

If a child under 10 years of age is left unattended, staff members will attempt to locate the caregiver. Once located, the caregiver will be apprised of the situation. If the issue persists, the caregiver and child will be asked to leave the Library.

If the caregiver is not in the building or cannot be contacted within 30 minutes, the police will be contacted.

If the problem is severe enough or becomes chronic in nature, Library privileges may be restricted or terminated for the caregiver and/or the child.

While a child under 6 years of age attends a Library program, a caregiver’s attendance may not be required at the program, but the caregiver must remain in the building and be available to provide supervision if needed.

Children 10 years of age and older are welcome to use the Library without direct supervision by a caregiver, but they must behave according to the Library’s Code of Conduct.

If children 17 and under are found unattended at closing time, staff will attempt to contact the caregiver for pickup. If the wait exceeds 30 minutes, the police will be contacted. The person in charge and one other staff member will wait until the child is picked up.

Approved

May 25, 2011