Gail Borden Public Library Policy on Unattended Children and Vulnerable Adults

1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable adults while they are in the library. The library strives to provide a welcoming, secure, and supportive environment for all visitors, and this policy outlines the expectations for unattended children and vulnerable adults.
2. Scope This policy applies to all individuals visiting the library, including children and vulnerable adults, and sets forth guidelines for the behavior, supervision, and responsibilities of both the library staff and the caregivers of these individuals.
3. Definitions
   • Children: Individuals under the age of 18.
   • Vulnerable Adults: Individuals who are over 18 and may have a physical, mental, or emotional disability that affects their ability to care for themselves or make decisions.
   • Caregiver: A responsible adult who accompanies a child or vulnerable adult to the library, ensuring their safety and appropriate behavior.
   • Unattended: A child or vulnerable adult is considered unattended if they are at the library without an accompanying responsible adult or caregiver.
4. Unattended Children
   • Responsibility: Parents, guardians, and caregivers are responsible for the supervision and behavior of children while they are in the library.
   • Behavior: If a child is found causing disruption, distressing other patrons, or engaging in unsafe behavior, library staff will attempt to contact the responsible adult. If the responsible adult is not reachable, the child may be asked to leave or may be kept in a designated area until the responsible adult arrives.
   • After Hours: Children must be picked up by the library’s closing time. If no responsible adult is present by closing time, the library will contact local authorities to ensure the child's safety.
5. Unattended Vulnerable Adults
   • Responsibility: Vulnerable adults should be accompanied by a caregiver, family member, or other responsible adult while at the library unless they can demonstrate the ability to care for themselves independently.
   • Behavior: If a vulnerable adult is engaged in unsafe or disruptive behavior, library staff will attempt to contact the responsible adult or caregiver. If no caregiver can be located, library staff may contact emergency services for assistance.
   • Support: The library is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to assist vulnerable adults in accessing library services. This accommodation may include additional support from staff, accessible resources, or assistance in ensuring the individual's safety and comfort.
6. Library Staff Roles and Responsibilities
   • Safety Monitoring: Library Security staff will monitor library spaces for unattended children and vulnerable adults to ensure their safety. Staff will intervene if necessary to prevent harm or resolve disruptive behavior.
   • Communication with Caregivers: If a child or vulnerable adult is found unattended, library Security staff will attempt to contact the responsible adult or caregiver immediately. If available, staff will use the contact information on file.
   • Handling Emergencies: In an emergency, library Security staff will prioritize the individual's safety and well-being and may contact emergency services as needed.
7. Violations
   • Unattended Children: If a child is found unattended and no responsible adult is available, staff will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver. If the adult cannot be reached, staff may call law enforcement to ensure the child’s safety.
   • Unattended Vulnerable Adults: If a vulnerable adult is left without a caregiver and is in distress, library staff will take appropriate steps to assist, including contacting emergency services or social services if necessary.
8. Exceptions
   • Programs and Events: For certain library programs and events, children and vulnerable adults may be left in the care of trained library staff or volunteers. The program guidelines will clearly communicate these exceptions.

This policy is used in conjunction with the Rules of Conduct ordinance and Article V. of the Library Bill of Rights, Free Access to Libraries for Minors.

Board Approved 1/14/25