Unattended Minors Policy

Every effort is made to ensure the safety and comfort of patrons while at the library or during library sponsored events. The library does NOT provide supervision for unattended minors. Children may not be left unattended or left in the care of others who are unable or unwilling to provide adequate care.

Guidelines:

• Children under the age of 5 must be within arms reach of their parent/guardian.
• No one under the age of 10 may be left unattended in the library without a parent/guardian (at least 16 years of age) present in the building.
• Many children view the library as a safe and informative place and may visit during school hours. The library does not report children as truant, except in instances where staff are concerned about repetitive truancy, in which case, staff will follow Mandated Reporter guidelines.
• Staff will attempt to notify the parent/guardian if:
• The child is frightened or anxious while alone at the library
• The child’s health or safety may be in danger
• The child’s behavior disrupts other patrons or staff.
• Library staff are recognized as Mandated Reporters under Pennsylvania State Code 42.42 and will contact ChildLine for those children whose basic needs for food, rest, parental supervision, or attention are not being fulfilled.
• Library staff will notify state police if the library is closing at the scheduled time or in the event of an emergency closing, and a parent or guardian cannot be located in the building or by phone.
• If a child is waiting to be picked up, staff will wait 30 minutes after closing. If a parent or guardian has not arrived, staff will call the state police and remain with the child until police arrive.
• Staff may not drive children home.

Approved 2/21/2022