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Unattended Children Policy |
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CPLD
05/99 651 OBJECTIVE 651a
The objective of this section is: 651b The Crete Public Library encourages and welcomes children of all ages to use its facilities and services. The library is, however, a public building. As such, anybody, law-biding or otherwise, may enter it. In an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and maintain an atmosphere of constructive library use, the following policy regarding appropriate use of the library by children and their parents or guardians is adopted. 652 REGULATIONS 652a The Crete Public Library cannot assume responsibility for children left unattended in the library. 652b Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct of their children at all times on library premises. All children, attended or unattended, are expected to respect library property and other library patrons. Under no circumstances does the library assume any liability for injuries, accidents or any mishaps, whatsoever, which may occur when a child is left unattended, including, but not limited to intentional torts committed by or against the child. In the event that any liability results out of intentional torts committed by an unattended child, liability shall be borne by the parent(s) of such child. 652c During supervised library programs for children age 3 1/2 and older, parents or guardians need not be present during the program but, children under age ten must be picked up immediately after the program is completed. 652d Children under the age of ten must be attended and adequately supervised by a parent or guardian. If they are not, staff may attempt to contact a parents or guardian. If that attempt is unsuccessful, staff may call police for assistance. Older children may use the library unattended, at the discretion of the responsible adult, provided they are able to maintain proper library behavior. 652e Library staff respects the privacy of all library patrons and will intervene only when, in their opinion, the safety and well-being of a child is threatened or when a child’s behavior is inappropriate. Appropriate Behavior includes: reading, doing homework, researching, browsing for books and sitting quietly. Inappropriate Behavior includes: running, throwing, eating, loud or abusive language, fighting, excessive socializing or any other activities which disrupt the Library. Vandalism will not be tolerated. The parent(s) of a child who engages in any vandalism will be responsible for the costs of cleaning and/or repairing the damages caused by their child in the Library. 652f Unattended children who exhibit inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave after sufficient warning. The staff may attempt to contact a parent or guardian. If that attempt is unsuccessful, staff may call for police assistance. 652g Parents and guardians should be aware of library opening and closing times and make suitable arrangements to meet and/or transport their children before closing time. Other than as provided for in Section 652f, library personnel will exercise no control over the comings and goings of unattended children in the Library. Further, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) of such unattended children to warn the child of the dangers associated with leaving the library with persons who have not been approved by the parent(s). 652h Under no circumstances will a staff member offer to drive a child home or to another destination. Staff will remain inside the building with a child for 15 minutes after closing. If the child is not picked up within 15 minutes of closing, staff may call for police assistance.
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