Responsibility for the welfare and the behavior of children using the Easttown Library & Information Center ("Library") rests with the parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. The Library cares about the safety and welfare of children and establishes this policy for the protection and well being of children and to prevent disruptive behavior. However, the Library and its staff cannot assume responsibility for children's safety and well being when they are unattended.
Disruptive behavior is behavior that represents physical danger to the child or others, or behavior that interferes with other library customers or staff as identified in the Library's Behavior Policy.
While on Library premises, children under the age of eleven (11) must be under the direct supervision and control of a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver at all times. For the purposes of this policy, the parent, guardian or responsible caregiver must be at least sixteen (16) years of age.
If an unattended child is found within the Library, Library staff shall attempt to locate a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver within the Library. If a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver cannot be located within the Library, Library staff will attempt to contact a parent, guardian or responsible caregiver. If a parent, guardian or caregiver cannot be contacted, Library staff will contact the police.
Truancy: As Library staff does not act in loco parentis, staff members are not required to report suspected truancies. However, the Library will try to cooperate with schools, families, and law enforcement agencies to uphold laws regarding compulsory school attendance.
The Easttown Library Board of Trustees expects that this policy will be enforced without exception.
Violations of this policy will be documented. When there is more than one violation, a letter will be sent home to the child's parent or guardian informing them of the policy. Repeated violations may also be grounds for suspension of Library privileges.
Adopted 6/17/1992; Revised 5/16/2012
5/2012 ay
