Unattended Child Policy
Purpose: The Stratford Library Association (the “Library”) welcomes children to use its collections, services and facilities. However, parents and caregivers should be mindful that the Library is a public building open to people of all ages and abilities and that unattended children are vulnerable. This Unattended Child Policy provides the standards which ensure a welcoming, safe and secure environment for minors and ensures a positive experience for everyone in the Library.
Scope: This policy applies to the members of the public. The Library courtyard and grounds are considered an extension of the Library, and these rules apply to those areas as well.
Roles and Responsibilities: Respect for Library patrons and staff shall prevail at all times. Responsibility for the safety and behavior of children and teens while on Library premises rests with the parent/caregiver and not Library staff. Staff members are responsible for assisting all Library users and are not responsible for providing childcare.
Procedures:
- Children under age 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult or responsible older caregiver. Children under the age of 10 must remain within sight of a parent/caregiver at all times while in the Library. Parents/caregivers must provide appropriate supervision based on the ages, the abilities and the levels of responsibility of their children.
- Parents/caregivers are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children at all times. Children and teens, like all Library users, are required to adhere to the Library’s Code of Conduct, a copy of which shall be provided on request.
- If a child under age 12 is found to be unattended, Library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver in the Library and inform them of the Unattended Child Policy. If the parent/caregiver cannot be located in the Library or reached by telephone, Library staff will contact the Stratford Police Department to assist the child.
- Exceptions may be made during scheduled Library programs, at which time the parent/caregiver need not be in the room for the duration of the program, but must remain in the
- Minors age 12 and up who are not adhering to the Library’s Code of Conduct, or who require excessive staff attention, may be asked to leave. Their parents/caregivers will be notified. If negative behavior persists, Library privileges may be suspended. If behaviors constitute a safety risk to the minors or anyone in the Library, Stratford Police may be called.
- Parents/caregivers are expected to be aware of the opening and closing times of the Library. Minors still at the Library as closing time approaches will be directed to call their parent/caregiver. The Stratford Police may be called if a parent/caregiver has not arrived within 10 minutes after closing time.
- Emergency closure of the Library due to weather conditions or power failure may occur. Library staff will instruct minors to contact their parent/caregiver. In such cases, the Library assumes no responsibility for unattended minors. Parents/caregivers should be sure that their children/teens know what to do or where to go if the Library closes. All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.
- Library staff are not responsible for monitoring minors who exit the Library building.
Approved by the Stratford Library Board, November 21, 2024