Unsupervised Children Policy
Answer
The Town of Bruderheim Library Board has implemented the following policy to help promote the safety of all children using the Library facilities.
We encourage children of all ages to visit our Library with their families to take advantage of the resources available to help meet their information, recreational and educational needs.
However we do have a growing concern with the number of young children being left unsupervised in the Library. Parents or appointed caregivers must accept the responsibility of supervising their children while in the Library. This supervision helps provide for the general welfare and safety of all people using the Library.
Children ages 7 and under must have a parent/caregiver with them in the Library. If taking the place of a parent, the caregiver must be at least 12 years old and must have emergency contact information. If a child under 8 is found unattended, and attempt will be made to contact the parent/caregiver. If this is unsuccessful, the proper authorities will be contacted.
Children ages 8 and up may use the Library on their own for a maximum of 2 hours per day. Parents however are still responsible for the actions and safety of their children. These children must follow the Rules of Behaviour posted in the Library. If disruptive behaviour occurs, the child will be asked to refrain from the behavior. If there is still a problem, the parent will be contacted immediately to come and pick up their child. If the staff is unable to contact the parents then the proper authorities will be contacted to escort the child home. In the case of an older child, age 12 and up, the child will be asked to leave the Library.
It is sometimes necessary to close the Library due to unusual or emergency situations. All children should have the telephone number of someone to call in this situation.
During a scheduled Library activity parents may leave children ages 5-8 with the Library staff only during the scheduled time. Parents/caregivers must pick up their children immediately after the activity.
During pandemic restrictions, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult to visit the Library.
Not adhering to the policy will result in loss of Library privileges.
ONCE AGAIN, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, NOT LIBRARY STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS AND SAFETY OF CHILDREN VISITING THE LIBRARY.