*May 19, 2026
The Library welcomes children and their families to utilize its facilities, grounds, resources, and services. The responsibility for the care, supervision, and conduct of children while using the Library rests solely with the parent, legal guardian, or designated caregiver. Although Library staff will act with reasonable care and concern, staff do not assume responsibility for the safety, behavior, or supervision of unattended children. Library staff are not responsible for monitoring children or preventing them from leaving the Library building or grounds.
Children Age 11 and Under
- Children age 11 and under must be accompanied at all times by a responsible caregiver age 18 or older. Children attending Library programs may be unaccompanied only during the duration of programs that do not dictate that a parent or caregiver be present, such as story hour. In such cases, the parent, legal guardian, or adult caregiver must remain on Library premises and must promptly retrieve the child at the conclusion of the program.
Children Age 12 and Older
- Children age 12 and older may attend the Library without adult supervision for a period of time deemed reasonable by supervising staff, provided they are capable of complying with Library rules and conducting themselves in an appropriate manner. All patrons, including minors, are required to follow the Rules of Conduct for Library Patrons. Unattended children must possess the telephone number of a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver available at all times in the event of an emergency.
- Library staff will make reasonable efforts to contact a parent, legal guardian, or caregiver when:
- A child’s health or safety is at compromised
- A child’s behavior interferes with the use and enjoyment of the Library by others
- A parent, legal guardian, or adult caregiver is not present at Library closing
- A child’s conduct violates the Rules of Conduct for Library Patrons
- If a responsible adult cannot be reached, or if a child is not retrieved within 15 minutes following Library closing, Library staff may contact law enforcement or other appropriate authorities.
- If, in the judgment of the department manager in charge, an unattended child’s age, maturity level, conduct, or circumstances pose a risk to the child or others, disrupt Library operations, violate Library policies, or require continual staff intervention, the child may be required to leave the Library. If the department manager determines that the child cannot safely leave the premises without adult supervision due to age, capacity, time of day, or other factors, the manager will attempt to contact the parent, legal guardian, or caregiver and request immediate removal of the child. If no responsible adult is available, appropriate authorities may be notified.
Children’s Room Use
- Adults may enter and/or remain in the Children’s Room only when accompanied by a child or when actively browsing or retrieving children’s materials.