Ingalls Memorial Library
Unattended Children Policy
Children are always welcome and encouraged to visit the Ingalls Memorial Library. We strive to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all of our patrons. In order to meet this goal, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following guidelines for the use of the Library by children and their parents/caregivers.
Reviewed and adopted by the Trustees of the Ingalls Memorial Library, September 25, 2018.
Unattended Children Policy
Children are always welcome and encouraged to visit the Ingalls Memorial Library. We strive to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all of our patrons. In order to meet this goal, the Board of Trustees has adopted the following guidelines for the use of the Library by children and their parents/caregivers.
- The library does not provide care or supervision of children, except to the extent needed to uphold library rules of conduct and use, and does not accept responsibility for such care. Library staff are not trained or equipped to provide child care.
- Children age three and under should be accompanied by a caregiver at all times in the library. This means the child remains within the caregiver’s sight.
- Children under the age of 6 may not be left unattended in the library, except during library-sponsored programs. These children can attend programs with or without a parent, but the child or library staff must be able to reach an adult caregiver if needed. Arrangements should be made for pick-up after the program and should be discussed with the child. If someone other than a parent or grandparent is responsible for picking up the child, the library staff member in charge of the program should be made aware of this.
- Children 7 or older may use the library on their own. Children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other patrons. Children who are disruptive may be asked to leave the library. If this happens, children will be allowed to call an adult if necessary, and must have a way to contact a caregiver.
- Both parents and children should be aware of library hours.
- Children must leave the library at closing time. If necessary, parents must arrange to pick up their children. Youngsters left to wait outside for a ride after the Library has closed are placed in a vulnerable position. Staff members are not responsible for the safety of a child once the Library has closed. However, staff will attempt to contact caregivers. If they are unsuccessful, the Rindge police will be summoned to assist the youth.
Reviewed and adopted by the Trustees of the Ingalls Memorial Library, September 25, 2018.
