The Frankfort Public Library District welcomes children of all ages to take advantage of the library’s resources to meet their informational, recreational, and educational needs.
Library facilities, however, are not licensed or designed to provide basic care needs such as physical exercise, nutrition, or emergency care, nor are they to be used as an alternative shelter for children. Any public place may be dangerous for a child who is left unattended. It is impossible for the library staff to guarantee a safe environment.
The library encourages the parents to consider the safety and well being of their children as well as the needs of other library users of all ages. A parent or responsible adult caregiver (18 years or older) must accompany and directly supervise children under the age of nine.
If at any time a child under the age of nine is unattended, the following will occur:
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Staff will determine if the parent or caregiver is in the library. If the parent or caregiver is in the library, he or she will be asked to stay with and supervise the child.
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If it is determined that the child is in the library without an adult caregiver, a staff member will call the parents and request that they pick up the child. If the parents cannot be reached within 30 minutes, or if they do not respond within 30 minutes, the police will be asked to assume responsibility.
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If a child is left unattended at closing time, staff will call a parent or adult caregiver. If the parents do not arrive within 15 minutes or if they do not respond within 15 minutes, the police will be asked to assume responsibility. Staff members are not allowed to drive the child home.
Unattended children age nine and over are free to use the library’s resources as long as needed, provided that their behavior is not disruptive to other patrons or staff members. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the library, whether or not the parents are in attendance. Library staff members are required to notify the appropriate authorities if they have reason to suspect that there is evidence of abuse or neglect.
Violations of this policy are grounds for suspension of library privileges.
Adopted 5/27/2004
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