Unattended Children Policy
Birmingham Public Libraries
Children of all ages are encouraged to visit the library with their parents to take
advantage of the resources available for them to meet their informational, recreational,
and educational needs. The Library recognizes that children, particularly those not
accompanied by adults, have special needs. This policy addresses some of those special
needs, and emphasizes that the ultimate responsibility for the child’s health,
safety, and behavior in the library environment resides with the parent or guardian.
- Children who patronize the Library should be encouraged to learn appropriate use
of library resources and to respect other patrons. A child will be treated with the same
respect as any patron.
- Children aged seven (7) and under should not be left in the Library without a
parent or other responsible adult.
Neither the Library nor its staff shall assume responsibility for keeping
unattended children within the Library building nor shall they assume responsibility for
the safety of a child once he/she leaves the Library.
In case of medical emergency, the librarian should call 911 for help.
Emergency personnel, upon their arrival at the Library, will be informed that the parent
is not with the child.
All children must be picked up by closing time. If the child is not picked up by closing
time, the police may be called and advised of the situation. Under no condition should a
library employee provide transportation for an unattended child. If a parent consistently
leaves a child past the library’s closing time, the appropriate social service
agencies may be notified.
Disruptive behavior in the library will not be allowed (see definition of
disruptive behavior in the Library’s Disruptive Patron Policy). If a child exhibits
disruptive behavior, warnings will be issued. If disruptive behavior persists, the
librarian may take appropriate action, which may include suspension. Continued disruption
will be reported to the police. Any violence or criminal activity should be reported to
the police immediately.
Revised
August 23, 2007 |
