Library Policies
Unattended Children Policy
Library Board policy as of January 10, 2018.
The Library Board of Trustees and staff view service to children as an important part of the Library’s mission. Children are encouraged to use the Library facilities and services. However, parents/caregivers should be mindful that the Library is a public building open to all individuals, and that unattended children are vulnerable. Responsibility for children using the library rests with the parent/caregiver, not with library personnel. The following policy has been designed to communicate the Library’s concern for the safety and welfare of the children it serves.
Children under the age of 12
By Connecticut State Law, children under the age of 12 may not be left unsupervised in a place of public accommodation for a period of time that may represent substantial risk to the child’s health or safety. Exceptions may be made during scheduled library programs, at which time the person responsible for the child’s supervision may be absent for the duration of the program, but must remain in the building. (Connecticut General Statutes, Section 53-21a)
Children age 12 and older
Children 12 years and older may use the Library unaccompanied by a responsible adult. Parents are expected to be aware of the opening and closing times of the library, and that the operating hours might change unexpectedly. The staff does not monitor children leaving the premises, nor is it their responsibility to know with whom a child is leaving.
If a child is left at the library at closing time, the police may be called. Under no circumstances will a library staff member or volunteer drive a child home.
Parents/caregivers are responsible for the conduct and safety of their children in the library. Children, like all library patrons, are required to respect library property and act in a manner appropriate to the use and function of the library (see the Library Use Policy). Children who are not using the library appropriately, or who require excessive staff attention or intervention, may be asked to leave. The parents or guardians of these children may be notified, and if necessary, asked to stay with their children while visiting the library.