The Board of Library Trustees and staff of the Gail Borden Public Library are committed to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all children who visit the library. As a public facility, the library takes reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of children while they are using the library. Library facilities are not designed or licensed to provide childcare needs including emergency care, nutrition, adult supervision, or physical exercise. Parents and caregivers are responsible for their children's behavior regardless if the parent or caregiver is with their children in the library.
All library users are expected to conform to the Rules of Conduct Ordinance and exhibit behavior that does not interfere with normal operations of the library or disturb library users or staff. Parents are also responsible for instructing their children about what to do should an emergency situation occur during their visit.
Children age 11 and up may be in the building alone.
Children ages 8-10 must have a caregiver who is 14 years or older within the building.
Children ages 5-7 must have a caregiver who is 14 years or older in their immediate vicinity. At the Main Library “immediate vicinity” means within the KidSpace rooms. At the library branches and library vehicles, “immediate vicinity” means the caregiver and child should be within visual distance of each other.
Children ages birth-4 must be always accompanied by a caregiver age 14 or older.
The Early Learning Center at the Main Library is a unique play-based learning environment designed for our youngest visitors. To ensure the safety of children in this space, all children age 13 and younger must be directly supervised by someone at least 14 years old when playing in the space.
If it is determined a child is unattended and/or unsupervised, attempts to locate the parent or caregiver will be made. If the parent or caregiver is in the library, they will be directed to stay with and supervise the child. If it is determined a child is in the library without a parent or caregiver over the age of 14, staff will attempt to contact the parent or caregiver by telephone. If a parent, legal guardian or caregiver cannot be reached within 30 minutes, the police will be contacted and asked to assist, including assistance at the library's closing time.
Library users who are not in compliance with the Unattended and/or Unsupervised Children Policy will be advised by library staff of the requirements of this policy. Remedies for violations of this policy include removal from library premises and suspension of library privileges.
This policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees on November 9, 2021.