UNATTENDED CHILDREN

 The Ayer Library strives to provide children with the highest quality informational and recreational materials possible.  We develop programs that will enrich the lives of children.  We hope to encourage children to become life long library users as well as develop in them a life long love of reading.    We also hope that the library is perceived as a warm, inviting and fun place to be. 

 The Ayer Library Trustees, out of concern for the security and safety of children and to ensure the smooth operations and services to all children and families, have adopted the following policy in regards to “unattended children” at the Ayer Library.

1. Children under the age of 8 may not be left unattended in the Library, subject to the rules outlined below.  A child is unattended if he/she is in the Library without a parent or a responsible adult 18 or older.

2. If a staff member finds a child under 8 unattended the following steps will be taken:

• Staff member will determine if the parent is in the Library
• If the parent is not in the Library the staff member will try to contact parent
• If a parent cannot be located the police will be called

3. Children under the age of 8 cannot be left unattended during special Library  Programs.  

4. Children 8 and older are considered to be “on their own” in the Library.  If disruptive, they will be asked to leave the Library.  A second warning will result in a one-week suspension of all Library privileges. A third warning will result in a 2-week suspension.  Further unacceptable behavior beyond the third warning may cause Library privileges to be revoked.  Children unattended will not be allowed to use the library for several continuous hours at a time unless they are engaged in appropriate library activities (quiet study, research, reading, crafts, relaxing etc.)  Unusually long stays at the Library of one or more hours usually lead to disruptive and unacceptable behavior in unattended children.  Children will be asked to leave under this circumstance.

5. No patrons, including children, are allowed to eat or drink in the Library except during special programs.

6. If a parent does not pick up an unattended child under the age of twelve by Library closing, the police will be called.

7. Under no circumstances will a staff member take a child out of the Library.

8. The Library in no way assumes responsibility for any child left unattended at the Library.

9. All Library patrons are subject to regular rules concerning disruptive behavior.

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