Unattended Child Policy

Effective: June 19, 2001; Revised: April 10, 2023

The Wayne County Public Library is dedicated to providing a warm, welcoming and safe environment for people of all ages. Sharing this environment with other people requires that all individuals and groups follow the Patron Behavior Policy established by the Library’s Board of Trustees and posted in each library building.

The Wayne County Public Library encourages children to use its facilities and services. But, while the Library is very concerned for the safety of children in and outside library facilities, library employees cannot function as caregivers or babysitters. Children under the age of twelve should always be accompanied by a parent, guardian or custodian.

When children are left alone they may become frightened or anxious. They may encounter hazards such as stairs, doors, furniture or electrical equipment. They may also become bored and restless and may disturb the enjoyment and work of others. Additionally, they usually lack the necessary maturity to handle emergency situations such as fires, tornadoes, strangers or illness.

The safety of children left alone in a library building is a serious concern of the library staff. The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent, guardian or custodian 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 or for children who are demonstrating inappropriate behavior.

Unattended children are defined as:

  1. Children who are unable to care for themselves or who may

need assistance and are not under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or custodian.

  1. Any child (excepting a high school age child) who is in the

library for prolonged periods of time on a repetitive daily or weekly basis.

C. A child who is not picked up by closing time and who is below

    the age of twelve or who is older but appears to need staff help.

 

Leaving children unattended in library facilities will result in the application of the sanctions of the Patron Behavior Policy.