Unattended-Child Policy

The Patten Free Library provides an inviting place for children to develop a love of reading and libraries. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of all patrons, the following policy has been adopted by the Board of Trustees:

• The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children visiting the Library rests with the parent/guardian or caregiver, not with Library staff members. Caregivers must be 14 years or older.
• Children 7 and under must be accompanied at all times by a parent/guardian or caregiver while in the Library. If a child 7 and under is attending a Library-sponsored program on the premises, the parent/guardian or caregiver is to accompany the child for the entire duration of the program.
• Children ages 8-9 may be left unsupervised as long as a parent/guardian or caregiver remains in the Library. If a child ages 8-9 is attending a Library-sponsored program on the premises, the parent/guardian or caregiver is to remain on the premises for the duration of the program.
• Children 10 and older may use the Library unattended, and are encouraged to have readily available emergency contact information.
• Staff will make every attempt to return a lost or unattended child to the parent/guardian or caregiver as promptly as possible. Staff will confirm the identity of the parent/guardian or caregiver by photo ID (unless known to staff) before releasing the child to that person. If the parent/guardian or caregiver cannot be identified or reached, the Bath Police will be called for assistance. Staff will remain with the child until the parent/guardian or caregiver or the police have arrived. As a follow up, the Library Director or designee will contact the child’s caregiver to explain the Library’s policy.
• Under no circumstances will a staff member transport a child by personal vehicle from the Patten Free Library to another location.

 

Approved by the Patten Free Library Board of Trustees 6/8/2021
Reviewed 10/2/2023; no substantive changes