UNATTENDED CHILDREN

The Burnet County Library System is dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe environment for patrons of all ages. Staff strive to create a warm, inviting, fun environment for children. However, the safety and well being of children at the library is of serious concern. It is the intention of this policy to enlist the cooperation of parents and other adults responsible for children to ensure that the library provides a safe and pleasant experience for all who use it.

Guidelines:

● Children who are unable or unwilling to care for themselves may not be left alone in the library and must have adequate supervision while in the library. Staff are not responsible if children leave the library unattended.

● The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel. Library employees cannot be responsible for children who are unattended or demonstrating inappropriate or dangerous behavior.

● Children are expected to respect library property and adhere to the rules outlined in the policies.

● Library staff will attempt to contact a parent/caregiver in circumstances as the following:

○ An unattended child is engaging in behavior that is disruptive to other library patrons, staff or the normal operation of the library business;

○ An unattended child is involved in a situation that is potentially harmful to the health and safety of the child and/or others;

○ An unattended child is left alone at the library at closing time.

● The situations listed above will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If parents/caregivers cannot be reached or are unresponsive, the library will work with other city/county departments as needed, including police and/or truancy officers.

● Parents should ensure that the child knows how to reach them and provide them with an emergency contact number.

● Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, whether or not the parent is present.