Current Programs Registration Program Descriptions For Kids For Parents & Teachers Sign-Up for E-Notices

Unattended Child Policy

Library Service to children, parents, and adults working with children is an important part of the Library’s mission.

It is not the Library’s function or purpose to provide supervision or care for children while parents or other supervising adults are outside the Children’s Library and/or the Library proper. Parents should be aware that the library is a public building open to all individuals. The following policy has been designed to communicate the Library’s concern for the safety and welfare of the children it serves.

1. Parents and guardians are, at all times, responsible for the conduct and safety of their children on Library premises. They must provide appropriate supervision based on the ages, abilities and the levels of responsibility of their children.

a. Children under age ten should not be left unattended in the Children’s Library at any time. If the adult in charge of a child under age ten wishes to go to another area of the library for materials (or to check out materials) the child should accompany the adult.

b. Children, like all library users, are required to respect Library property, and act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the Library. Parents or guardians of children who are not using the Library appropriately, or who require excessive staff attention or supervision, may be asked to monitor their children more closely.

At closing time, during power failures, or other emergencies, departure from the building is necessary. Children left alone in the library, or on Library grounds could be vulnerable. Every effort will be made to contact parents prior to closing. Two staff members will remain with a child left unattended at closing time. If the child is not picked up after 5 minutes, the police will be called. Staff members will wait with the child until the police arrive. Under no circumstances will a staff member offer to drive the child home.

2. In accordance with Connecticut State Law, “ Any parent, guardian or person having custody or control, or providing supervision, of any child under the age of twelve years knowingly leaves such child unsupervised in a place of public accommodation….that presents a substantial risk to the child’ s health or safety,” may be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Public Act NO. 97-298)

Current Programs Registration Program Descriptions For Kids For Parents & Teachers Sign-Up for E-Notices