Unattended Children Policy
The North Smithfield Public Library is a public facility that offers services to a wide range if citizens, and children are especially welcome. The library has the responsibility to provide an environment that is safe and comfortable for every patron who is appropriately using its services and facilities. Children and young people are expected to adhere to the same standards of patron conduct expected of adults. Parents, guardians, or assigned adult chaperons are responsible for the behavior of their children while in the library.
Children under the age of seven should never be left unsupervised in any area of the library. Children under the age of ten should never be left in the library without a parent, guardian or assigned adult chaperon.
Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library (see policy on “Library Behavior” ). If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent. If no parent can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child to remain at the library under close supervision until a parent can be contacted or contact the police department, depending upon the time lapsed or the severity of the situation.
Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent. Library employees are not required to wait longer that twenty minutes with children who have not been picked up. Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.
Approved by Board of Trustees on 26 February 2002
Revised 25 March 2003
Lynn Benetti
President, Board of Trustees
Children under the age of seven should never be left unsupervised in any area of the library. Children under the age of ten should never be left in the library without a parent, guardian or assigned adult chaperon.
Older children who are disruptive will be asked to leave the library (see policy on “Library Behavior” ). If the child cannot safely leave the library to return home on his or her own, staff will permit the child to call a parent. If no parent can be contacted, library staff will either allow the child to remain at the library under close supervision until a parent can be contacted or contact the police department, depending upon the time lapsed or the severity of the situation.
Children who have not been picked up at closing time will be given the opportunity to call a parent. Library employees are not required to wait longer that twenty minutes with children who have not been picked up. Under no circumstances will staff transport children in a vehicle or accompany them home.
Approved by Board of Trustees on 26 February 2002
Revised 25 March 2003
Lynn Benetti
President, Board of Trustees
