Unattended Children and Youth Policy
The Southwest Georgia Regional Library Board met in April, 2001, and approved
the Unattended Children and Youth Policy (Policy Number POL.01-1). This brochure
contains many of the highlights found in the new policy. A copy of the complete
policy can be obtained from the circulation desk.
General
• The public library is not a "child care provider" but a public institution
where all patrons have an equal right to quality library services in a safe and
relaxed environment.
• The responsibility for the safety and behavior of children in the library
rests with the parent/caregiver and not with library personnel.
Children Through Age 6
• Must have a parent/caregiver in the immediate vicinity of-the child except for
those children attending a story time or other library program. During these
times the parent/caregiver must remain in the library building.
• The library staff will attempt to locate the parent/caregiver of children
found unattended. If the parent/caregiver cannot be found in the library, the
]Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) and/or law enforcement
personnel will be notified.
• Children violating the Patron Conduct Policy or the Library Patron Behavior
Rules, posted throughout the library, will be subject to procedures listed later
in this brochure.
Children Ages 7 Through 17
• May use the library on their own as long as they adhere to the Patron Conduct
Policy and Library Patron Behavior Rules.
• Parents/caregivers are still responsible for behavior of children in this age
group while they are in the library.
Closing Time
• Youth of all ages should arrange for transportation before arriving at the
library.
• Children at the library without transportation will be asked for a telephone
number and library staff will call to have a parent/ caregiver pick them up.
• If transportation is still not available 15 minutes after closing law
enforcement personnel will be contacted to pick up the youth. Library staff will
wait with the child until this happens.
• Library staff are not permitted to drive any children home.
Policy/Rules Violations
• Children violating policy/rules will be given a copy of this brochure and a
"remark" entry will be made in their patron computer file listing the date, type
of misconduct, and initials of the library staff member.
• The second time a child misbehaves a certified letter will be sent to the
parents/guardian informing them of the incident and cautioning them that any
future behavior will require an parent/guardian to be with the child at all
times in the library. A "remark" entry will also be made in the patron file.
• A third incident will result in a certified letter to the parents informing
them that their child must have a parent/guardian with him/her during library
visits. Another "remark" entry will be made.
• In each of the above actions an Incident Report will be completed and provided
to the Director.
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