Unattended Children Policy Policy
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Peoria Public Library - Unattended Children Policy
Introduction
Purpose
Peoria Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment for customers to utilize library materials. The Library encourages children of all ages to use the facilities and services. The safety of children left alone at the library is a serious concern for staff. The library is a public building and as such it could be a dangerous place for children who are alone. No public place, including the library, can guarantee the safety of children. For the protection and well-being of children who enjoy the library the following policy has been established. .
Policy
Unattended Children
Responsibility for children using the library rests at all times with the parent(s) or assigned caregiver(s) and not with Library personnel. Library staff cannot be responsible for any child (regardless of age) who is in the library with or without adult supervision. Library employees do not function as caregivers or babysitters.
When children are left alone they may become frightened or anxious. They may encounter hazards, become bored or restless, and may disturb the enjoyment and work of others. Additionally they may lack the maturity to handle emergency situations such as fires, strangers, or illness. Therefore, it is required that children under the age of ten be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be within eyesight while in the library. Further, parents and adult caregivers are responsible for monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children while in the library.
An Unattended child is defined as:
- A child who is unable to care for himself/herself or who may need assistance and is not under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or custodian.
- Any child who is in the library alone for prolonged periods of time on a repetitive daily or weekly basis.
- A child who is not picked up by closing time. (Because children develop and mature at different rates, there is no certain age at which all children are ready to cope with the variety of circumstances they may face alone in the library or outside the library. Library staff must use their best judgment and discretion in determining whether or not an unattended child is vulnerable or at-risk.)
Teenagers (12-17)
Teens are treated as adult users. However, they are still legally the responsibility of their parents and should have an emergency contact available. Teenagers who are violating the Peoria Public Library Behavior Policy may be asked to leave the premises.
Americans With Disabilities Statement
The Library fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides accommodations on request for physical access, communication or other needs that ensure our services, activities and employment are available to people with disabilities.
Content Statement
The beliefs and opinions expressed within the Peoria Public Library and/or the literature, materials, programming and web-content accessed through the Library do not represent the viewpoint of the Peoria Public Library or the City of Peoria.