Library Policies
Unattended Children Policy

The Library Board and staff view service to children as an important part of the Library’s mission. Children are encouraged to use the Library facilities and services. However, parents and guardians should be mindful that the Library is a public building open to all individuals, and that unattended children are vulnerable. Responsibility for children using the Library rests with the parent or guardian, not with Library staff or volunteers.

The following policy has been designed to communicate the Library’s concern for the safety and welfare of the children it serves.

Children Under the Age of Twelve

According to Connecticut General Statutes, Section 53-21a., children under the age of twelve (12) may not be left unsupervised in a place of public accommodation for a period of time that may represent substantial risk to the child’s health or safety. This includes the Library premises.

Exceptions may be made during scheduled Library programs, at which time the person responsible for the child’s supervision may be absent for the duration of the program but must remain in the building.

Children Aged Twelve and Older

Children aged twelve (12) years and older may use the Library unaccompanied by an adult,
as long as they follow the guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behavior set out in the Patron Behavior Policy.

Library staff does not monitor children leaving the premises, nor is it their responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.

Library Closing

Parents, guardians, and caregivers are expected to be aware of the opening and closing times of the Library, and that the operating hours might change unexpectedly. If a child is left at the Library at closing time, the police may be called.

Under no circumstances will Library staff or volunteers drive a child home.

Behavior

Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children in the Library and must provide reasonable supervision of their children, appropriate to the age and level of responsibility of each child.

Children, like all Library patrons, are required to respect Library property and act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the Library, as set out in the Library Use Policy. Children who are not using the Library appropriately, or who require excessive staff attention or intervention, may be asked to leave. The parents or guardians of these children may be notified, and if necessary, asked to stay with their children while visiting the Library.