Children's Policy

Grand County Public Library

Children's Policy

In an effort to provide a Library environment that allows patrons of all ages to use the Grand County Public Library in a safe and unrestricted manner, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted a policy statement concerning unattended children.  The sharing of the library environment with other people requires that everyone follow the Library’s Code of Conduct policy established by the Board of Trustees.

No child under the age of 8 may visit the library unless accompanied by a responsible childcare provider (must be 16 or older).  That person must remain in visual contact with the child under the age of 8 and is responsible for that child’s conduct. Library staff will not be responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate behavior.

If a child under the age of 8 is unattended at the library, the staff will make a reasonable attempt to notify a parent/legal guardian and inform he/she of library policy.  When the parent/legal guardian is located, they will be informed of the library policy and asked to either join the child at the library or to pick the child up immediately.  If a parent/legal guardian can not be reached or does not arrange for supervision, the Department of Child and Family Services or local law enforcement may be notified.  The Department of Child and Family Services or local law enforcement will be provided with a copy of this policy to give to the parent/legal guardian.

If a child under 8 years old violates the Library Code of Conduct, the child and the parent/legal guardian will be informed of the rules.  If inappropriate behavior continues, the family may be asked to leave the library.

Children age 8 and older may use the library on their own.  However, parents/legal guardians are still responsible for the actions and well-being of their child(ren).  Children exhibiting inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave the library.  If a child in this age group is not able to leave the library without an adult, he/she should not be in the library alone.  All children should have the telephone number of someone who can assist them in an emergency.

Should it be determined that a child has been left at the library without a ride or assistance home at closing time, staff will attempt to contact an adult or family member.  Staff is not permitted to remain after hours with an unattended child nor give him/her a ride home.  If an adult or family member cannot be reached, local law enforcement may be called to escort the child home or keep the child until parents/legal guardian can be reached.  A staff member will remain with the child until law enforcement has arrived. The Head of Children/Teen Services will be informed whenever this action becomes necessary.  The Head of Children/Teen Services will contact the child’s parent or guardian to explain the library policy and why the action was required.

Adopted by the Grand County Public Library Board of Directors on June 12, 2003 and revised on January 9, 2008.