Unattended Child Policy

Parents, legal guardians or their designated caregivers are responsible for the behavior of their children in the Library, whether or not the parents, guardians or caregivers are in attendance.

Decatur Public Library encourages parents to consider the safety and well-being of their children and the needs of other Library users of all ages. Children ages 8 and over are free to use the Library’s facilities and resources unattended, provided that their behavior conforms to the Library Use Guidelines and does not disrupt other Library users or staff members. Children under age 8 must be attended and supervised by a parent or a caregiver age 14 years or older at all times while on Library premises. At no time shall a child under the age of 13 be at the library without a parent or caregiver in the building.

It is not the responsibility of Library staff to serve as caregivers, disciplinarians or teachers. Children are subject to all Library rules and policies concerning behavior, conduct, and demeanor. It is the responsibility of parents/caregivers, by monitoring and regulating the behavior of their children, to assure that their children abide by these policies at all times.

If at any time a child under age 8 is unattended and/or unsupervised the following will occur:

• The parent or caregiver will be paged in order to determine if they are in the Library. If the parent or caregiver is in the Library, they will be directed to stay with and supervise the child.

• If it is determined that the child is in the Library without a parent or a caregiver age 14 years or older, a staff member will attempt to contact the parent or guardian and request that they pick up the child. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached within 30 minutes or does not respond within 30 minutes, the Decatur Police Department will be asked to assume responsibility. If not contact information can be obtained, the police will be called after 30 minutes, if the parent or guardian does not arrive first.

• Anyone not complying with this Unattended Children Policy will first be warned by Library staff and will be advised that the City Librarian may take further action should noncompliance continue.

Decatur Public Library staff will try to notify the parent/caregiver of an unattended child, regardless of age whenever:

•The child is not meeting the Library Use Guidelines.

•The child’s behavior disturbs other patrons of the Library.

•The child’s health or safety may be in danger.

•The child is frightened or anxious while alone at the Library.

•The child is still at the Library 15 minutes before the Library closes to the public.

If the parent /caregiver cannot be reached, then the Library will contact the Decatur Police Department. In no instance will staff transport the child anywhere. Approved by the Board of Trustees August 18, 2022