Child Supervision Policy
The Flat River Community Library wants children who use the library to find it warm, inviting, enjoyable, and secure. To ensure their safety, children should be attended by a responsible party. For the protection and well-being of children using the library, the following policy is established. The policy is written to protect children and to provide for the general welfare of all persons using the library.
The library staff does not have the legal right to act in loco parentis. Even if parents are not present, the parents are responsible for and liable for their children’s behavior in the library, for damage to materials, equipment, and furnishings, and for injury to themselves and others.
Children age eight and under must be accompanied by an adult or caregiver. Said caregiver must be at least 12 years old and carrying emergency contact information.
Children ages five and under are expected to be within sight of a parent or caregiver while using the library. This includes use of the computers and visits to the restroom.
Children of any age who, because of developmental disability, mental illness, or physical disability, require supervision or personal care shall be attended by a parent or caregiver at all times.
Unattended Children
Library staff may attempt to contact a parent or legal guardian when:
- The health or safety of an unattended child is in doubt.
- A child is frightened while alone at the library.
- A child has been left unattended for an extended period of time.
- The unattended child has not been met by a parent, legal guardian or custodian at closing time. A child is considered unattended at closing time if the child is under the age of 8 or the child needs assistance procuring transportation.
Unattended children must be picked up at least 15 minutes before closing time.
In the case of a child who is unattended at closing time (including emergencies), the library staff will attempt to notify the child’s parent or adult caregiver. If the child’s parent or adult caregiver cannot be located within 15 minutes or fails to arrive within a reasonable time after being contacted, library staff members will notify Greenville Public Safety and wait with the child until an officer arrives.
Library staff members cannot take the child home or anywhere away from the library grounds.
Adopted: 5/29/2008
Revised: 9/14/2022